FAO and IAEA Expand Laboratory Network to Strengthen Global Animal Disease Detection
Source: Dairynews.today
In a strategic move to bolster global animal health, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are expanding their laboratory resources to enable faster, more accurate detection and diagnosis of animal diseases. This initiative aims to protect not only animal populations but also the livelihoods of farmers worldwide.
The FAO recently emphasized the critical role of advanced diagnostic techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), which have proven effective for early detection of infectious diseases.
One of the primary disease targets of this partnership is Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a viral infection that severely impacts regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. PPR poses a significant threat to small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, endangering the economic well-being of local farmers. Ladi Amos Chabiri of Nigeria’s National Veterinary Institute noted that the consequences of PPR extend beyond economic losses, affecting the social fabric of communities that rely on livestock for their daily sustenance and income.
To combat such challenges, the FAO and IAEA have launched the VETLAB network, which spans 75 laboratories in 46 African and 19 Asian countries. This extensive network provides member nations with access to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and comprehensive training programs designed to enhance the skills of veterinary personnel. The collaboration is a vital component of FAO’s broader strategy to eradicate PPR by 2030. As part of this effort, FAO and IAEA are coordinating national training workshops and supplying crucial diagnostic tests and vaccines.
This partnership not only strengthens the capabilities of individual countries in diagnosing animal diseases but also underscores FAO and IAEA’s commitment to fostering resilience in global food systems. By equipping member states with the tools and expertise needed to manage animal health crises, the FAO-IAEA initiative supports the sustainability of rural economies and contributes to global food security.
One of the primary disease targets of this partnership is Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a viral infection that severely impacts regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. PPR poses a significant threat to small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, endangering the economic well-being of local farmers. Ladi Amos Chabiri of Nigeria’s National Veterinary Institute noted that the consequences of PPR extend beyond economic losses, affecting the social fabric of communities that rely on livestock for their daily sustenance and income.
To combat such challenges, the FAO and IAEA have launched the VETLAB network, which spans 75 laboratories in 46 African and 19 Asian countries. This extensive network provides member nations with access to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and comprehensive training programs designed to enhance the skills of veterinary personnel. The collaboration is a vital component of FAO’s broader strategy to eradicate PPR by 2030. As part of this effort, FAO and IAEA are coordinating national training workshops and supplying crucial diagnostic tests and vaccines.
This partnership not only strengthens the capabilities of individual countries in diagnosing animal diseases but also underscores FAO and IAEA’s commitment to fostering resilience in global food systems. By equipping member states with the tools and expertise needed to manage animal health crises, the FAO-IAEA initiative supports the sustainability of rural economies and contributes to global food security.
