REDIPRA 17. Inform of the Livestock Rabies Programs 2021-2022

Abstract

On July 23, 2020, the 2nd Virtual Meeting with Directors and Chiefs of Rabies Programs of the Americas took place, organized by the Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA/SPV-PAHO/WHO). The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health of the countries, rabies experts from the region, Collaborating Centers of PAHO/WHO, as well as professionals from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of this meeting was to facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge regarding rabies transmitted by the hematophagous bat (Desmodus rotundus) in herbivorous animals of economic interest in Latin American countries. As a result of the meeting, it was concluded that there was a need to develop a regional program aimed at strengthening national programs, harmonizing action strategies, promoting the exchange of information between countries, and monitoring the advance of agreed-upon goals. Seven countries volunteered and were invited to be part of a working group responsible for developing a regional program under the coordination of PANAFTOSA/SPV-PAHO/WHO. These countries were Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru, all represented by the responsible for the national livestock rabies control programs from their respective official veterinary services.