Based on a request submitted by the Veterinary Authority of Libya, the OIE and FAO organised a 3-day training workshop in Tunisia from 11 to 13 May 2015 under the framework of REMESA. The aim of this workshop was to support the Libyan Veterinary Services for the control of Avian Influenza in light of the recent outbreaks of H5N1 which have occurred in the country and the threat represented by the epidemiological situation in Egypt where the disease is endemic.
Opening session (from the left to the right : Dr Mohammed Bengoumi – FAO Sub regional office for North Africa, Dr Farag Bakkar – Central Veterinary Services of Libya, Dr Rachid Bouguedour – OIE Representative for North African Region).
In case of outbreaks occurrence in Libya, Avian Influenza can spread to many farms and cause serious losses to poultry farmers and harm public health all over the country.
The programme of the workshop covered the critical aspects about the disease (e.g. epidemiology, outbreak management, laboratory, biosafety/biosecurity, sampling) and also include interactive exercises with appropriate working sessions.
This workshop was very successful and achieved the expectations. A total of 13 Veterinarians from Libya participated and the discussions during the 3-day meeting was very fruitful and appreciated by the Libyans.
European experts (Dr Guus Koch – OFFLU, Dr Giovanni Cattoli – IZS Padua, OIE Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza) and Tunisian experts (Wafa Dre Ben Hamouda and Dre Hajer Kilani Deguiche – DGSV, Central Veterinary Services of Tunisia, Dr Khaled Kaboudi – ENMV, Veterinary University of Tunisia) were invited to participate in this workshop and delivered high quality presentations and appropriate exercises by covering the most critical aspects of the disease. It is also worth mentioning, the valuable presentations delivered by the Libyan Veterinary Authority, especially at the opening of the workshop which provided a good knowledge of the situation in Libya.
At the end of the meeting, the Libyan Veterinary Authority expressed the willingness to continue to collaborate with OIE and FAO as well as some specific needs for their country.The OIE and FAO encouraged the Libyan Veterinary Authority to implement internally all the measures they consider to be suitable and reiterated their support to Libya as needed and appropriate.
Group picture.
