Context and Justification

Avian Influenza
The rise in global outbreaks of HPAI has been of increasing concern to the world community. The WHO reported as of March 2010, there were a total of 478 human cases reported in fifteen countries. All human cases have coincided with outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in poultry.  Altogether, more than half of the laboratory-confirmed cases have been fatal. H5N1 avian influenza in humans is still a rare disease, but a severe one that must be closely watched and studied, particularly because of the potential of this virus to evolve in ways that could start a pandemic.

In addition, different strains of the virus have emerged, increasing concerns of mutation and further damage to animal flocks and human health.  In 2007, the UK reported cases of H7N2 infection in humans that originated in poultry outbreaks. Similarly, Hong Kong reported a case of H9N2 infection in March 2007 (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/avian-flu-humans.htm). Although these cases are of low pathogenic strains of avian influenza, there is serious concern that these will mutate into highly pathogenic viruses and cause severe economic and human damage (US Dept labor occupational safety http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib121304.html). The virus’s rising death toll and potential for further damage necessitate the implementation and spread of effective and preventative measures and cross border controls.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Similarly, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is also a major source of concern for the international community. While it seldom affects human populations, FMD can cause significant economic damage by spreading quickly through herds and damaging livestock. FMD has affected many countries and regions with major economies, such as India and China, reported outbreaks in 2007 and 2008 (OIE).

The risks of FMD were made evident during the outbreak in the UK in 2001, where in less than a year 2,026 cases were diagnosed causing an estimated 3 billion in pounds sterling in direct costs to the government (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/pdf/fmdorigins1.pdf). With regards to the ongoing trade agreements between the EU and third countries (i.e. EUROMED), FMD highlights the importance of strong safety and trade standards for food and animal products.

The participation of developing countries in the global response to animal disease outbreaks has presented numerous challenges due to the lack of existing and comprehensive food safety infrastructure in veterinary services and public institutions, particularly in laboratory services capable of surveillance and diagnosis to support animal disease prevention and control. Without adequate national services, resources, structures and equipment to ensure proper control surveillance of animal health risks and the food production chain, not only does compliance with EU food safety standards represent a major constraint on the development of safe exports by third countries, but also local populations remain at severe risk for infection and economic loss.