Pre COSALFA 48th International Seminar. Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease: the PHEFA Action Plan 2021-2025, preparedness and transition to the status of free countries/zones without vaccination: final report (Virtual Seminar - Paraguay, 17 - 18 August 2021)

Abstract

[Objective] While in 2020 the international Seminar was not carried out prior to the 47th Ordinary Meeting of the South American Commission for the Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA), which was conducted virtually, in 2021 the Pre-COSALFA International Seminar was promoted on the occasion of the 48th Ordinary Meeting of the COSALFA, held on 19 - 20 August 2021, with Paraguay as the host country. The agenda of the International Seminar of the 48th Meeting of the COSALFA was prepared so that the participants could get acquainted with the health management of the National Service for Animal Quality and Health (SENACSA) of Paraguay in the field of foot-and-mouth disease prevention and surveillance and the experience in the process of decision making and the transition to the free status without vaccination. Likewise, the lessons learned from the previous Action Plan 2011-2020 of the PHEFA were presented as well as the objectives, strategies and guidelines for the current Plan 2021-2025, together with an update on the tools and methodologies for a timely and specific diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease at national and regional level. Moreover, the capacities for rapid response to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in the region were addressed along with the support tools that can help in emergency preparedness. The topics are covered by renowned specialists, as well as by representatives of the veterinary services in virtual thematic sessions, and complemented by a discussion to disseminate different opinions of the audience comprised of the main players and representatives of the public, private and academic sectors interested in the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease. The conclusions of each session are then presented in the 48th Meeting of the COSALFA.