GRM's projects - our current portfolio of projects

The project obtained a number of achievements:

The study of technical issues related to FMD vaccine available in the SADC Region between 2007 and 2009, which are the subject of a separate Volume (III) in this report. As a result of project activities there is now much clearer understanding of the strengths and weakness of FMD vaccine against SAT serotypes currently available in the SADC Region. These are set out in detail in the report mentioned above as well as recommendations on future development that is necessary.
Gathering SADC technical officers for private and public sector involved in Trans-frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) management and animal health to discuss the compatibility between control of animal diseases and the establishment of huge trans-frontier conservation areas.
Promotion of the concept of commodity-based trade especially in relation to de-boned beef as a potential solution to the impasse in rural development caused by the incompatibility between wildlife and livestock interests in many deep rural areas of the SADC Region.
Helping SADC in the identification and drafting of a regional strategy on the control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (TADs) and other sensitive subjects such as commodity based trade (CBT), export, control of TADs, wildlife production, and biodiversity.

Throughout the life-time of the SFMDP the TA team provided support to the Head of FANR’s Livestock Unit on policy matters, especially those related to sanitary standards in respect of trade in commodities and products derived from animals. Apart from on-going development of concepts related to CBT, particularly concerning access to international markets for de-boned beef produced in southern Africa — including presentations at regional and international conferences and publications (see below) — the TA developed a proposal for SADC that advocates the de-linking of the FMD status of wildlife from that of livestock. This was based on a precedent created by the OIE in respect of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The proposal was adopted by the SADC Livestock Technical Committee (LTC) in November 2008 and subsequently proposed to the OIE’s Africa Commission meeting in Bamako in February 2009 which also adopted the proposal. It is now in the hands of the OIE’s Bureau for further consideration.

The TA team, with the assistance of a contracted consultant, also arranged the drafting and production of five ‘policy briefing papers’ for FANR shortly before closure of the Project. Titles of these briefs were:

Commodity-based trade
SADC, trans-boundary animal diseases and international marketing of livestock products
Sustainable trade in products derived from wildlife
Farming livestock for export – what needs to change
The conflict between bio-diversity conservation and livestock farming in southern Africa.

Result 1 - Reduced FMD occurrence in Zimbabwe border areas and other priority areas where FMD outbreaks are linked/result for the Zimbabwe situation

Activity:

Familiarisation with the recent history of FMD in the SADC Region and review ongoing work by other SADC activities of relevance to the FMD project.
Assist MS to develop appropriate strategies for national vaccination programmes in agreement with the livestock sector stakeholders
Conduct an assessment of vaccination equipment available in target countries and based on that prepare the purchase of additional vaccination equipment and consumables
Consult with all relevant stake-holders on proposals for rehabilitation, construction and maintenance of fences for FMD control, especially where wildlife areas are involved.

Achievement:

Meetings held with relevant actors, partners and beneficiaries. Preliminary review of ongoing SADC activities done. Continuous update and learning
Strategies and policies on FMD drafted and approved by the beneficiaries. However, strategies & policies must be continually reviewed to take account of unforeseen occurrence of disease
Activity undertaken in Malawi, planned in Mozambique. Assessment done in Malawi, tender dossier ready for publishing
Activity started in the 3 target countries, well advanced in Malawi and Mozambique, where ESIAs for fencing have either been launched (MW) or pepared (MZ)

Result 2 - SADC region is better equipped to prevent FMD spread

Activity

Launch tender for EIAs on the impact of movement control / fencing in areas where environmental impacts are likely
Establish a PMU at the Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources in the SADC Secretariat

Achievements

ESIA study launched in Malawi, ready for launching in Mozambique
TA team established at SADC FANR and coordinating project activities with senior staff of SADC FANR and ECD

Result 3 - SADC FMD Epidemiological Intelligence established

Activity

Assess best strategies for effective laboratory support for FMD control and surveillance in the SADC region
Assist the national authorities to review/design an effective monitoring and surveillance system in cattle and wildlife

Achievements

Continuous contact with reference laboratories & those in target countries maintained. Assistance for testing provided to Zimbabwe & Botswana
Consultation in the 3 target countries ongoing

Result 4 - SADC region empowered to coordinate and implement progressive control and effective prevention of FMD

Activity

Preparation of training programmes for senior Veterinary officials in the management of progressive control of FMD
Commission studies on areas identified for further investigations

Achievement

Content of training under discussion, to be co-funded through the FAO Contribution Agreement; participants and training partners identified
Study of the NSP test issue undertaken & report obtained. Missions to investigate on FMD vaccine ongoing

Result 5 - Competent authorities for export certification better skilled equipped

Activity:

Prepare training activities for relevant stakeholders in the livestock sector in EU export regulations and procedures

Achievement

Participation in various workshops has been undertaken but training issues yet to be identified

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