OIE and China Cooperate on Disease Prevention

CHINA – At a national seminar on international animal health standards, held in Beijing, the Director General of the OIE, Dr Bernard Vallat, noted China's strong willingness to strengthen its international cooperation on the prevention and control of animal diseases, thus complying with OIE standards.

5 March 2008

2 minute read

Asia

“As an OIE Member Country, China now has the opportunity to play an ever-increasing role in the fight against animal diseases worldwide”, said Dr Vallat. “Political commitment will be the key to achieving the work that still has to be done and the OIE will strongly support these efforts”, he added.

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"I am particularly pleased to note that China is considering requesting the OIE to conduct a technical mission in support of the governance of its national Veterinary Services. "

Director General of the OIE, Dr Bernard Vallat

The seminar gathered some 150 participants, including the OIE Delegate, Dr Jia Youling, and the Chinese Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yin, who reiterated the country's commitment to collaborate with all OIE Members in the field of animal health. Representatives of the Veterinary Services of each of China 's provinces and representatives of key national veterinary institutions for research and diagnostics also attended the seminar.

At a time when emerging and re-emerging diseases are increasing worldwide, seminar participants pointed out that strengthening the Veterinary Services in terms of surveillance, early detection and rapid response is a key factor in effective disease control. Chinese authorities recognised the important role of the Veterinary Services and gave a commitment to improve the quality and governance of their national Veterinary Services, in compliance with OIE standards.

“I am particularly pleased to note that China is considering requesting the OIE to conduct a technical mission in support of the governance of its national Veterinary Services. I have assured the Chinese authorities that the OIE is fully committed to developing collaboration with them”, said Dr Vallat on the sidelines of the seminar.

Accompanied by the President of the OIE, Dr Barry O'Neill, the President of the OIE Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania, Dr Gardner Murray, and the OIE Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, Dr Teruhide Fujita, Dr Vallat was received by the Chinese Minister of Agriculture, Mr Sun Zhencai, and then by the Vice Prime Minister, Mr Hui Liangyu. Chinese authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthen collaboration with the OIE in all fields relating to the prevention and control of animal diseases and zoonoses and to the safety of international trade of animals and animal products. Discussions also addressed the creation of an OIE sub-regional office in China .