Recommendations of the 9th Steering Committee Meeting

Date: 30 June 2014
CARIBBEAN ANIMAL
HEALTH NETWORK
Steering Committee
Meeting Report
9 Meeting
5 – 6 May 2014
th
Drafting: K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel,
P. Bedford
Revision: BB, PB, JP, SV, VG, PM
Validation: Steering Committee
Recommendations of the 9th Steering Committee Meeting
COORDINATION UNIT SESSION
SPS project
The CaribVET Steering Committee recommends to prepare a request to CARICOM Secretariat for
funding of collaborative activities of the CaribVET working Groups and Coordination Unit. This
request is to be submitted by end of June 2014.
Charter:
The CaribVET Steering Committee:
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Reminded that the Charter was adopted by resolution of SC, CVO and endorsed by COTED
in 2012.
Reminded that comments will be submitted to the CARICOM Secretariat after review by
CaribVET Steering Committee.
Noted that FAO, OIE and CARICOM Secretariat offered to assist with the legal structure of
the charter
Recommended to formulate a strategic plan and business plan for the Network.
Suggested to formulate a contribution package
Noted that monetary contribution by members was suggested based on level of country
development as indicated and described by the World Bank classification.
Recommended to structure the charter as if it was an organization in view of CaribVET’s
registration to be able to receive funds.
Recommended CaribVET charter be included into each member state’s national legislation.
Recommended that through EU/EPA/SPS project, CaribVET approaches CARICOM
Secretariat to request funding for a legal consultant to review the charter and make
recommendations.
Recommended that through the EU/EPA/SPS project, CaribVET requests funding for a
consultant to develop CaribVET’s strategic and operational plans.
Reminded the charter should be dynamic and timeless in order to be flexible.
Noted that the CaribVET charter will ease establishment of MoUs with organizations to
obtain international funding.
Noted that by revision of the CaribVET Charter, CaribVET will be an institution; meanwhile
we can still approach different funding sources as has been done historically.
Recommended to foresee as a charter amendment the definition of the process for
accession to membership (countries, institutions, organizations).
Sustainability
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Reminded CVOs to include a budget line to attend the annual CaribVET SC meetings.
BB: Bethany Bradford, PB: Patricia Bedford, JP : Jennifer Pradel, VG : Victor Gongora, SV: Sandra Vokaty, PM : Paula Morales,
Date: 30 June 2014
CARIBBEAN ANIMAL
HEALTH NETWORK
Steering Committee
Meeting Report
9 Meeting
5 – 6 May 2014
th


Drafting: K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel,
P. Bedford
Revision: BB, PB, JP, SV, VG, PM
Validation: Steering Committee
Recommended that a regional CaribVET permanent secretariat should be established in
Guadeloupe and should be staffed initially by a secretary and full time assistant
coordinator to be funded by projects (SPS project or others) or by funds donated by
member states.
Recommended that a CaribVET advocacy booth should be set up during the Caribbean
Week of Agriculture 6th -12th October 2014 to be held in Suriname.
Update on the EU/Regpot/Epigenesis Project
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Noted that the project started in September 2013 and will run for 3 years.
Recommended that the 10th CaribVET Steering Committee Meeting/15th CVO CARICOM
meeting be organized jointly with the 2nd Epigenesis Steering Committee meeting in
Guadeloupe , along with a regional scientific conference, in April 2015.
Noted that the EU/EPA/SPS project should be able to support funding of Cariforum CVOs
attending those meetings
Welcomed the Epigenesis project and the opportunities for the region: organizations of
training workshops on emerging and vector-borne diseases (entomology, epidemiology,
diagnostic…), researche projects (in entomology, economics, and epidemiology), and
opportunities of collaborations with EU partners, and increased laboratory facilities and
capabilities.
Noted the studies and research of regional interest that will be conducted: assessment of
cost of diseases in the region, development of a regional Geographic Information System
and database and mosquitos’ inventory and development of identification keys for tropical
mosquitoes.
Noted the feasibility of the establishment of a regional center of excellence on emerging
and vector-borne diseases in Guadeloupe
Update on the One Health, One Caribbean, One Love project
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Noted the project started on March 1, 2014 and will run for 3 years
Noted the objectives of the project:
o Conduct Caribbean One Health leadership series.
o Development of a Caribbean One Health network.
o Development of Caribbean regional and national One Health strategic plans.
o Development of veterinary diagnostic laboratory capacities in new diagnostic
technologies (Isothermal LAMP…), in collaboration with the CaribVET Laboratory,
Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Working Group.
o Strengthen quality assurance in the veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
o Train veterinary first responders in the control of priority transboundary animal
diseases.
o Promote results of the project on a One Health website and link it with the CaribVET
website.
Date: 30 June 2014
CARIBBEAN ANIMAL
HEALTH NETWORK
Steering Committee
Meeting Report
9 Meeting
5 – 6 May 2014
th
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Drafting: K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel,
P. Bedford
Revision: BB, PB, JP, SV, VG, PM
Validation: Steering Committee
Noted the update on the Caribbean One Health policy and welcomed the offer to circulate
the policy for comments to non CARIFORUM countries.
Noted that UWI will build a One Health center of excellence.
Noted that a workshop will be held by UWI in June 24-25, 2014 on Conservation of Aquatic
Ecosystems.
Memorandum of Understanding with International Organisations
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Noted that FAO is requesting clarification on the legal status of the CaribVET. FAO
proposed to work with CARICOM Legal Department to assess CaribVET`s legal status and
finalize the MoU between CaribVET and FAO.
Proposed the development of MoU or other instruments to facilitate the working
relationship with FAO and PAHO.
Communications within CaribVET
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Recommended the establishment of the CaribVET Communication Group led by Patricia
Bedford pending finalization of membership
Recommended the use of WhatsApp for Urgent information and a closed Face book
account for information on events and photo sharing and provide a link with the CaribVET
website.
Recommended that countries review their biosecurity communication at ports of entry in
terms of disease prevention and for the communication WG to assist with the
improvements needed (messages, jingles, posters,…)
Recommended to use state media to disseminate information in the countries.
The SC welcomed the presentation made by Dr. Sylvia Strik, CVO from St. Eustatius and the SC voted
unanimously to include St. Eustatius as a new CaribVET member. That should followed by official
communication.
WORKING GROUP SESSION
Laboratory, Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Working Group
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Endorsed the work plan of the Laboratory Working Group including among other activities:
o A regional simulation exercise in shipping of dangerous goods facilitated through
CIRAD and USDA APHIS,
o A regional IATA E-training in the packaging and shipping of diagnostic samples in
2015-2016.
Suggested the Laboratory WG to consider update/retraining of veterinarians on laboratory
results interpretation.
Welcomed the offer of CIRAD to use the self-assessment Quality Assurance tool which is
being finalized at CIRAD in France
Date: 30 June 2014
CARIBBEAN ANIMAL
HEALTH NETWORK
Steering Committee
Meeting Report
9 Meeting
5 – 6 May 2014
th
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
Drafting: K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel,
P. Bedford
Revision: BB, PB, JP, SV, VG, PM
Validation: Steering Committee
Urged the OIE to complete the OIE database for the Laboratory Network for the Americas
and offered CaribVET’s assistance.
Noted that the Laboratory WG will continue to work with the Swine Diseases Working
Group to coordinate the 2014 Inter-laboratory proficiency testing for Classical Swine Fever
to be conducted by CENSA, Cuba and encourage the countries to participate.
Tick & Tick borne Diseases (T&TBD) Working Group
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Noted the update presented on the Resist Project “Assessment of Ticks Resistance to
Acaricides in the Caribbean” and that the development of strategies to improve
surveillance and control of tick-borne diseases in ruminants officially started mid June
2013.
Noted the project started in June 2013 and will run for 2 years.
Endorsed the work plan of the T&TBD Working Group that is entirely included in the ResisT
project
Welcomed the pilot implementation in Guadeloupe of a new diagnostic test for the
assessment of tick resistance to acaricides.
Noted the implementation of a passive surveillance of Heartwater in several countries of
the lesser Antilles
Noted the organisation of a regional training workshop on TBDs Diagnostics, Laboratory
Quality Assurance and assessment of ticks resistance to acaricides in 2015.
Swine Diseases (SD) working group
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Acknowledged the presentation of the Dominican Republic (DR) on the situation of Porcine
Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) in the DR.
Urged the SD Working Group to meet virtually as soon as possible to update their work
plan including PED with assistance of FAO for organization of the meeting (Webex
meeting).
Recommended the Dominican Republic to notify PED to the OIE and to send out
Alert/information to all Caribbean CVOs and keep the region informed on the PED
situation.
Recommended to prioritize their activities.
Recommended to work with the CaribVET Communication Group to develop and share
information sheets and other communication materials.
Recommended countries should implement surveillance for PED and have rapid detection
tests in place.
Recommended all CVOs to keep the network updated on the PED situation in the member
countries.
Avian Disease (AD) working group
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Recommended to expedite the abridged surveillance guideline on Avian Influenza for
circulation to the CaribVET members.
Date: 30 June 2014
CARIBBEAN ANIMAL
HEALTH NETWORK
Steering Committee
Meeting Report
9 Meeting
5 – 6 May 2014
th
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



Drafting: K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel,
P. Bedford
Revision: BB, PB, JP, SV, VG, PM
Validation: Steering Committee
Recommended to invite the Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) to attend the CaribVET
Steering Committee meeting as an observer.
Welcomed the effort of the group to seek synergies with CPA.
Recommended the group to update the region on poultry diseases situation in the region
using a review of the OIE information completed by reports of poultry surveillance units of
the individual countries.
Noted the initiative to facilitate the RANEMA Flu train-the-trainers workshop to be held in
the Dominican Republic by August 2014.
Noted the request of Belize to consider Avian Salmonellosis be included
Epigroup
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Endorsed the work plan of the Epigroup.
Recommended to use the CaribVET Diseases Prioritization Tool and provide feedback to
the Epigroup for improvement of the tool. Deadline to give feedback: End 2014.
Welcomed the offer of CENSA, Cuba to use the OIE Collaborating Center on Disaster Risk
Reduction as a training center for the region.
Noted the update on the CaribVET database of expertise to be regularly updated and
recommended to make use of it. The database should be completed with national experts.
Recommended to gather all training needs (epidemiology, simulation exercise, network
optimization) taking into account recommendations of the VEP project and develop a
strategic plan in order to link with training plans of CIRAD / UWI / USDA and coordinate
the activities.
Noted the need for group reorganisation, identify sources of funding, organize face-to face
working meeting to conduct and finalize the work.
Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Working Group
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Commended the work conducted by the VPH Working Group on Leptospirosis,
Salmonellosis and Rabies
Noted the organisation of the group with finalization of the Terms of Reference and
membership.
Recommended to have experts on Rabies from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti
join the Rabies subgroup.
Recommended that the Rabies subgroup develop rabies surveillance guidelines for Rabies
free countries.
Belize requested information/contact information on laboratories in the region that
provide Rabies titres for humans.
Regional Rabies survey
Date: 30 June 2014
CARIBBEAN ANIMAL
HEALTH NETWORK
Steering Committee
Meeting Report
9 Meeting
5 – 6 May 2014
th
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
Drafting: K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel,
P. Bedford
Revision: BB, PB, JP, SV, VG, PM
Validation: Steering Committee
Acknowledged and commended the presentation of the preliminary report of the regional
survey on Rabies.
SC recommended that all CaribVET countries should complete the questionnaire.
Co-chair election
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The SC re-elected Dr. Bethany Bradford, Chief Veterinary Officer of USVI in her absence. An
electronic vote will be organized if she declines.
The SC recommends to amend the charter to deal with elections in absentia.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ANIMAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE (ICAHS)
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The SC welcomed the introduction on the conference by Dr. John Berezowski, Chair of the
ICAHS, and by Dr. Ann Lindberg, chair of the ICAHS Scientific Committee.
Acknowledged the presentation of Dr. Mark Trotman and Dr. Thierry Lefrancois who
updated the CaribVET Steering Committee on their twinned keynote presentation entitled
“Surveillance against the odds: Can we meet the expectations of both science and policy”
Noted that the organisation of CaribVET Steering Committee meeting prior to the ICAHS
conference was applauded by the organizers of the ICAHS conference, as it provided a pool
of decision makers to the conference, strengthening the dialogue between policy makers
and scientists
Noted that interactions are expected during breaks, after keynotes, during panel sessions,
through post-its and also online feedback which will be organised after the conference.
The CaribVET SC recognized the sterling contribution of Professor Adesiyun of UWI over the last 8
years, wished him a good sabbatical and expressed that look forward to working with him in the
future.
SC commended the tremendous work of Ms. Margaret Kalloo and her notable achievements in the
region along with CVOs. Agreed to send a correspondence in recognition of her contribution to
CaribVET.
SC recognized the tremendous contribution of Dr. Maria Teresa Frias for her work in the region.
Attachments: Agenda and Participant list
IXth CaribVET Steering Committee Meeting
5 – 6th May 2014, Palco Hotel, La Havana, Cuba
FINAL agenda (30/04/2014)
th
5th May 2014
8:00
8:30 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:15
9:15 – 9:25
9:25 – 10:10
10:10 – 10:30
10:30 – 10:55
REGISTRATION
Opening ceremony Minister of Agriculture of Cuba (Gustavo Rodriguez Rolleros, 4 min),
Ondina Leon (4 min) – CIRAD (T. Lefrançois, 6 min), CARICOM Secretariat (N. Surujbally, 6
min), CaribVET Chair (K. Hackshaw, 4 min), ICAHS Chair (J. Berezowski, 4 min)
Coordination Unit Session
Chair of the Session: N. Surujbally, J. Pradel
Main achievements of CaribVET in 2013 – 2014, expected outcomes of the Meeting.
(K. Hackshaw, J. Pradel, 10 min)
Update on the Charter (J. Pradel/N. Surujbally, 5 min; discussion 5 min)
Update on Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) and the
EU/European Partnership Agreement / Sanitary Phytosanitary Programme
(N. Surujbally - 15 min; discussion 30 min)
COFFEE BREAK
Update on the EU/Regpot/Epigenesis Project and link with CaribVET “One Health approach to
integrate Guadeloupe research on vector-borne and emerging diseases in the European Research Area: from the
characterization of emergence mechanisms to innovative approaches for prediction and control”.
(N. Vachiéry, 10 min; discussion 15 min)
11:00 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:00
12:00 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 14:00
14:00 – 14:40
14:40 – 15:00
15:00 – 15:30
15:30 – 16:00
16:00 – 16:30
16:30 – 17:00
17:00 – 17:30
17:30-18:30
18:30
19:30
Update on the One Health, One Caribbean, One Love project and link with CaribVET
(S. Vokaty, 10 min; Discussion, 15 min)
Sustainability of CaribVET and Pre-project proposal
(J. Pradel, 10 min; discussion, 20 min)
Open discussion on matters related to networks sustainability, policy/science interaction,
communication to ministries & regional projects, ...
LUNCH
Coordination Unit Session Cont’d
Memorandum of Understanding with International Organisations: FAO update (C. Lazarus,
5 min). Discussion including development of other MoUs: 20 min
Communications within CaribVET (P. Bedford, 15 min). Discussion: 25 min
COFFEE BREAK
Working Group Session (1)
Chair of the Session: G. Ellis
Laboratory, Quality Assurance and Diagnostic WG: update on activities, main achievements
& workplan/recommendations (C. Lazarus, 10 min; discussion, 20 min)
Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases WG: update on activities, main achievements &
workplan/recommendations (J. Pradel/S. Depraz, 10 min, discussion: 20 min)
Swine Diseases WG: update on activities, main achievements & workplan/recommendations (G.
Taylor- Ellis, 10 min; discussion: 20 min)
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea situation in the Dominican Republic
(Jf Lopez, 10 min, discussion: 20 min)
Presentation of St. Eustatus (S. Strick, 10 min)
Wrap-up of the day
End of Meeting (Day 1)
Tour-diner in La Havana!!
Pick-up of all participants is organized at Palco Hotel
Tuesday 6th May 2014
10:05 – 10:35
10:35 – 10:40
Working Group Session (2)
Chair of the Session: P. Morales
Avian Diseases WG: update on activities, main achievements & workplan/recommendations (M.
Trotman, 10 min; discussion 20 min)
Epigroup : update on activities, main achievements & workplan/recommendations (V. Gongora,
10 min; discussion 20 min)
Veterinary Public Health Working Group: update on activities, main achievements &
workplan/recommendations (S. Vokaty, 15 min, discussion: 20 min)
Result on the regional rabies survey (S. Vokaty, J. Seetahal 10 min, Discussion 20 min).
Election of the Co-Chair
10:40 – 10:45
COFFEE BREAK
08:30 – 9:00
09:00 – 9:30
9:30 – 10:05
10:45 – 11:00
11:00 – 11: 15
11:15 – 11:30
11:30 – 11:45
11:45 – 12:45
12:45
12:45 – 13:45
13:30 – 17:15
15:00-15:30
17:15 – 18:30
18:30
ICAHS Session
Chair of the Session: P. Bedford
Introduction: presentation of the Conference, expected outcomes for CaribVET input
in the conference (A. Lindberg, 15 min)
Update on the presentations to be given by the 2 keynotes speakers from the Caribbean
(M. Trotman, T. Lefrançois, 15 min)
Open discussion on scientists/policy dialogue in Animal Health Surveillance
Commendation for the work of Mrs. Margaret Kalloo (former Deputy programme manager, CCS)
Recommendations of the IXth Steering Committee Meeting
End of the CaribVET Meeting
LUNCH
14 CVO CARICOM Meeting
th
COFFEE BREAK
14th CVO CARICOM Meeting Cont’d
Wrap–up of discussions & decisions
End of the Meeting
Expected outcomes of the Meeting
1/ CaribVET Sustainability/Charter: Define the steps forward
2/ Establish clear work plan for CaribVET activities with priorities, timeline & objectives for the coming year
for each Working Group.
3/ Propose activities to be included in the EU/EPA/SPS programme based on the needs of the Network
4/ Define appropriate communication strategy for the network in the region at both high level to ministries
and animal health stakeholders
5/ Update the CaribVET SC on ongoing projects, ensure that they cover regional needs in animal health and
are compliant with CaribVET rules and that they are not duplicating.
6/ Define recommendations for the region re Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) emergence and threat for
the region
7/Encourage active participation of CaribVET members to the ICAHS conference
List of participants
Last Name
First Name
Country
Organisation
E-mail
CaribVET
SC Status
Adesiyun
Abiodun A.
Trinidad and
Tobago
UWI
[email protected]
[email protected]
Member
Alba
Ana
Spain
CReSA
[email protected]
Observer
Albina
Emmanuel
Guadeloupe
CIRAD
[email protected]
Observer
Arroyo
Monteserrat
Panama
OIE
[email protected]
Member
Arsevska
Elena
France
CIRAD
[email protected]
Observer
Bedford
Patricia
Barbados
[email protected]
Observer
Berezowski
John
Switzerland
[email protected]
Observer
Butler
Mark
Turks & Caicos
CaribVET
Swiss
universiteit
CVO
[email protected]
Member
Calvo
Francisco
Belgium
Avia-GIS
[email protected]
Observer
Dalibard
Christophe
Martinique
CVO rep
[email protected]
Member
Delgado
Amy
USA
USDA CEAH
[email protected]
Observer
Depraz
Stéphanie
Guadeloupe
CIRAD
[email protected]
Observer
Ducheyne
Els
Belgium
Avia-GIS
[email protected]
Observer
Ellis
Frias Lepoureau
Gillian
Maria-Teresa
Jamaica
Cuba
CVO rep
CENSA
Member
Observer
Gongora
Victor
Belize
CVO rep
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Gonzalez
Omar
USA
USDA
[email protected]
Observer
Hackshaw
Kathian
CVO
[email protected]
Member
Hoffmann
Eric
Kanyuira Gerald
Gikonyo
St Vincent and
the Grenadines
Dominican
Republic
Cayman Islands
Lazarus
Cedric
Lefrancois
Thierry
Member
USDA APHIS IS [email protected]
Member
CVO
[email protected]
Member
Chile
FAO
[email protected]
Member
France
CIRAD
[email protected]
Member
Member
Leon
Ondina
Cuba
CENSA
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lindberg
Ann
Sweden
SVA
[email protected]
Observer
Lopez
Juan Francisco
Dom. Rep.
CVO rep
[email protected]
Member
Louison
Bowen
Grenada
CVO
[email protected]
Member
Maloney
Selvyn
Montserrat
CVO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Member
Marie
Brigitte
Guadeloupe
CVO rep
[email protected]
Member
Member
Milian Darias
Jorge Luis
Cuba
CVO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Morales
Paula
Dom. Rep.
USDA
[email protected]
Observer
Nisbett
Jonathan
Bermuda
CVO
[email protected]
Member
Pradel
Jennifer
Guadeloupe
CIRAD
[email protected]
Observer
Squarzoni
Cécile
France
CIRAD
[email protected]
Observer
Strik
Sylvia
St. Eustatius
CVO
[email protected]
Observer
Surujbally
Nisa
Guyana
CARICOM
[email protected]
Member
Trotman
Mark
Barbados
SVO
[email protected]
Member
Vachiery
Nathalie
Guadeloupe
CIRAD
[email protected]
Observer
Vokaty
Alexandra
Trinidad
PAHO/Trinidad
[email protected]
Observer