The main objectives of the seventh meeting of the standing group of experts on lumpy skin disease (SGE LSD7) were to have an update on the epidemiological and vaccination situation in each country, and to agree on a coordinated vaccination exit strategy.
14 countries attended the meeting. They presented their epidemiological situation, activities and plans in terms of vaccination. EFSA presented the report on LSD control and surveillance, just published, the EU reference laboratory for LSD its current activities, and the EuFMD the surveillance programme implemented in the Thrace region.
Following scientific advice from EFSA and EURL and, based on the last epidemiological situation, the standing group of experts eventually recommended that vaccination be maintained in 2019 in Albania, Greece, Kosovo*, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey, and in part of Serbia and Bulgaria at least.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
