Future veterinary epidemiologists presented findings on outbreak investigation and surveillance, addressing priority animal and zoonotic diseases at the R-FETPV scientific seminar in Bangkok from 22 to 24 January 2024, supported by Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and USAID. A total of 15 trainees from four countries showcased diverse topics, including avian influenza, African swine fever and rabies. Mentors from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) Thailand, FAO and Thai universities actively participated, offering valuable feedback for the trainees. This event, integral to the R-FETPV training curriculum, emphasized practical fieldwork and the application of epidemiology.

Avian influenza and rabies school and community forum
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP), in collaboration with the Cambodia Communicable Disease Control Department (CCDC) of the Ministry of Health and FAO, organized the avian influenza and rabies school and community forum in Svay Rieng, Prey Veng and Battambang provinces. Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the forum brought together 4 857 students and community members, providing education and tools for preventing avian influenza and rabies, and enabling them to share lessons learned with friends and families. The initiative is set to expand to Kampong Thom, Kampot, Siem Reap and Takeo provinces for broader impact.

Initial results of biosecurity model farms
Through USAID support, eight pig farms in Ha Nam and Thai Nguyen were selected as biosecurity model farms. Action plans were developed to improve biosecurity, minimize disease risks, reduce antibiotic use and improve production efficiency. In late January 2024, the project team, including FAO, the National Center for Agricultural Extension (NCAE) and provincial extension staff, monitored the implementation of model farm action plans. Between 15 and 28 January 2024, FAO model farm developers and NCAE staff visited these farms, noting improvements such as enhanced pig houses, upgraded water systems, new footbaths at the entrance to the farm and pig houses, and changed practices for better biosecurity. Initial results observed by the model farmers indicated a 10 percent increase in overall production, up to 40 percent reduction in antibiotic usage, decreased working time, and an improved farm environment with reduced odor.

Workshop on biosecurity, good animal husbandry practices and AMR
In collaboration with Myanmar Livestock Federation, FAO conducted a workshop on 25 January 2024 in Hmawbi Township, Yangon region, funded by USAID. The workshop focused on improving biosecurity and good animal husbandry practices among farmers, feed sellers and egg collectors. The objective was to reduce avian disease risk, including zoonotic influenza, and to raise awareness of the One Health approach and AMR.

The President of FAVA, Isao Kurauchi, visited FAO RAP last 26 January 2024, accompanied by Achariya Sailasuta, Director of FAVA Office in Bangkok, and other FAVA delegates, warmly welcomed by FAO ECTAD RAP Regional Manager Kachen Wongsathapornchai and the AMR team. Discussions centered on the productive collaboration between FAO RAP and FAVA since 2020, emphasizing the engagement and empowerment of veterinarians in Asia in the global efforts to mitigate AMR.

Workshop on a new draft of the national guidelines for rabies surveillance, prevention and control
The Ministry of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Department (CDC) and GDAHP, in collaboration with FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), co-organized a consultative workshop on 30 January 2024, in Phnom Penh. The workshop sought to discuss the new draft of the Cambodia National Guidelines for Rabies Surveillance, Prevention and Control. Participants reviewed the draft national strategy and a proposed outline of the content, focusing on reaching a consensus on the guidelines’ structure and content for clear objectives.