The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), through the National Directorate of Animal Health, participated in the Regional Planning Meeting on the Cattle Grub (GBG), organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Regional Organization for Animal Health (OIRSA).
According to MIDA, the meeting, aimed at strengthening technical cooperation and the mechanisms that regulate animal movement in the region, as well as reinforcing surveillance and health coordination capacities among countries, was held in San José, Costa Rica. It was attended by delegations from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, the United States, and Panama.
On behalf of MIDA, Dr. Lester Reyes, Deputy National Director of Animal Health and Head of the Epidemiology Department, presented the national epidemiological situation regarding the cattle grub, implemented actions, main difficulties and limitations, current regulations for the movement of cattle and other susceptible animals, operational capacity, main risk routes, and informal/illegal transit routes that contribute to the spread of the cattle grub.
During the meeting, representatives from other countries also gave their respective presentations.
To address the technical issues raised, working groups were formed in which Drs. Lester Reyes and Humberto Hernández, Head of the Health Education Department, participated as moderators and/or rapporteurs, contributing to the development of regional proposals and joint lines of action.
The meeting allowed for establishing a technical basis for future coordinated actions, strengthening the exchange of information between countries, and reaffirming the regional commitment to continue working together to protect animal health and support the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, joint progress was reviewed, the harmonization of regional protocols was promoted, a roadmap was created, and the confirmation of working groups that will count on the support of the participating international organizations was made.
