Middle East Regional Veterinary Information System Project

Introduction and Background

During the meeting of the Multilateral Working Group on Regional Economic Development (REDWO) in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 8 - 9, 1993, the Commission of the European Union agreed to target veterinary Issues for regional co-operation.

There exists a general interest by all countries visited to establish close regional Cooperation in the field of animal health. Such co-operation would be of mutual interest and could include the following activities:

direct exchange of official disease notification to the O.I.E.
harmonization of vaccination campaigns
harmonization of veterinary regulations
regional diagnostic centers I laboratories
regional reference laboratories
vaccine production and quality control
registration of drugs
training on all levels
research, e.g. disease resistance
regional disease control
management of veterinary services
coordinated regional surveys

With regard to the Palestinian Territories (presently controlled by Israel or under the Palestinian Authority), a special situation which requires special attention was identified. Among necessary steps to establish a functional Palestinian Veterinary Service, the following measures are included:

elaboration of a comprehensive plan on how to organize the Palestinian Veterinary Service;
provision of the basic veterinary equipment and infrastructure;
provision of training at all levels;
technical assistance support;

The scheduled regional veterinary cooperation has the following objectives:

To provide the possibility to the directors and senior staff of the veterinary services of the region to exchange Information and views;
To identify veterinary issues of regional importance and interest;
To identify and distinguish between short, medium and long-term co-operation possibilities at regional level;
To recommend priority actions of regional importance and interest;
To identify areas of possible assistance to the Palestinian Administration in the establishment of a functional veterinary service;
The wider objective of the workshop is to contribute towards effective and cost-efficient veterinary services in the region;
Formal veterinary training at one of the Egyptian Veterinary Faculties,
Post-graduate studies at the Faculties or at AHRI,
Specialization courses (also tailor-made) in laboratory diagnostics at AHRI,
Special training courses for the establishment of reproductive disease labs,
Theoretical and practical training in Artificial Insemination.
Practical training in various fields at the Sisr-el-Layan Training Center, etc.

Animal health legislation
Control of animal movements
Veterinary quarantine facilities
Coordinated and harmonized vaccination activities
Veterinary public health
Donors and support agencies