Animal health is a vital component of public health and food safety, as emphasised by Health Minister Michael Damianos during the 18th conference of the regional committee for the Middle East of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in Larnaca.
Key Statements from the Conference
Speaking on Monday, Damianos highlighted the interconnectedness of animal health with societal resilience. The conference, running for two days, has gathered numerous experts, policymakers, and partners dedicated to improving animal health standards across the Middle East.
Focus on Zoonotic Diseases
With an increasing focus on zoonotic diseases—those transmitted between humans and animals—the discussions aim to bolster food security and environmental stability. Damianos stressed the need for robust measures to combat the impact of climate change, which has been altering the distribution of animal diseases.
Proposed Measures for Enhanced Animal Health
Among the measures proposed at the conference were:
- Implementation of robust biosecurity systems
- Early warning detection mechanisms
- Enhanced harmonised field surveillance and monitoring systems
- Real-time molecular diagnostics
- Risk-based vaccination programmes
- Cross-border information exchange
These initiatives are deemed essential for ensuring the sustainability of animal populations and the production of safe animal products for human consumption. Damianos also warned about the looming threat of antimicrobial resistance, calling for a national action plan to address this critical issue.
Strengthening Veterinary Practices
To combat antimicrobial resistance effectively, the ministry plans to enhance laboratory capacities and introduce an e-prescribing platform. This platform will ensure that all veterinary medicines are prescribed by qualified animal health professionals, promoting responsible use.
International Collaboration in Animal Healthcare
WOAH Director General Emmanuelle Soubeyran echoed Damianos’s sentiments, stressing that animal healthcare significantly impacts public health. The need for international cooperation was further underscored by Jordanian Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat, who emphasised that “diseases know no borders,” highlighting the importance of transnational collaboration in addressing animal health challenges.
As the conference continues, the commitment to improving animal health standards remains a priority, with participants sharing their expertise and resources in a collective effort to safeguard both animal and public health in the region.
