The problem

Outbreaks of major animal disease and zoonoses have a devastating effect on farm animals, the agricultural industry, international trade and the well-being of developing nations. There is a constant challenge to develop and deploy more effective means to control animal diseases and zoonoses. This makes it important to identify viable and practical improvements and seek to promote their introduction throughout Europe and the world.

Overview:

The ETPGAH project aims to establish a technology platform and information exchange for improving the control of animal diseases and zoonoses. Specifically, it will:

• Establish a formal structure linking stakeholders
• Develop a ten-year strategic research agenda for the control and treatment of animal diseases and zoonoses
• Promote the adoption of new treatments as they arise
• Establish a monitoring framework to ensure that the strategic action plan is implemented in an effective manner

Contribution to policy development:

The project will support the Commission’s responsibilities to:

• Protect Europe from the incursion of epidemic animal disease and zoonoses
• Deal rapidly and effectively with outbreaks should they occur
• Assist with the application of preventive measures throughout third countries in support of efforts to alleviate poverty
• Contribute to worldwide reduction of disease as a means of protecting animals in Europe

Project deliverables

• Establish technology platform – August 2005
• Draft strategic action agenda for the control of major diseases and zoonoses of animals – October 2005
• Final strategic research agenda for project – March 2006
• Finalised project action plan – October 2006
• Final project report – December 2007

Dissemination

• Project website – throughout project
• Newsletter – from October 2005
• The project technology platform will maximise the opportunities for results and recommendations to be accessed and circulated throughout the international animal health community
• The ETPGAH will promote project objectives, research and findings throughout member and non-member states

Technical information

Project acronym: ETPGAH
Project’s official full title: European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health
Specific webpage: http://www.ifahsec.org/europe/EUPlatform/Platform.htm
Proposal/contract no: 022515
Start date: 1 January 2005
Kick off meeting: January 2006
Completion date: 31 December 2007
European Commission scientific officer: Isabel MINGUEZ TUDELA

Coordinator: Declan O’Brien
Name: International Federation of Animal Health (Europe)
Abbreviated name: IFAH
Address: Rue Defacqz, 1 B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
Country: Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 2 537 0049
Fax: +32 (0) 2 543 7560
e-mail: animaltp@ifahsec.org
Website: www.ifahsec.org