The follow-up regional training workshop on WOAH Procedures for Official Status Recognition, Endorsement of Official Control Programmes, and Maintenance regarding Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) took place in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, from 25 to 27 February 2025.
The event aimed to strengthen Members’ understanding of WOAH standards and procedures related to:
Participation and Experience Sharing
The workshop gathered representatives, including Delegates, from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan, with Tajikistan joining online. Members that have already obtained an official free status for PPR and/or FMD by WOAH, such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, shared their experiences in attaining and maintaining official animal health status.
Experts from the WOAH Status Department provided in-depth guidance on the application process, dossier preparation, key deadlines, Terrestrial Animal Health Code requirements, and essential documented evidence in support of the applications.
Practical Exercises and Technical Guidance
The second day of the workshop was dedicated to hands-on training, where participants analysed a draft dossier, identified missing elements, and discussed strategies for improving future submissions.
WOAH international experts also facilitated access to technical expertise and specialised tools tailored to the specific requirements of FMD and PPR surveillance. Participants actively exchanged experiences and outlined plans for applying for WOAH’s official recognition of animal health status and endorsement of official control programmes, with some Members considering submissions in 2026.
The workshop also discussed the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Programme, particularly its PPR-focused component.
Uzbekistan has conducted a PVS Follow-Up mission with a focus on PPR, and two more countries in the region are scheduled to do so.
In the framework of the event, Dr. Budimir Plavsic, Regional Representative, and Dr. Mereke Taitubayev, Sub-Regional Representative, met with Bakyt Torobayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The discussion focused on the importance of WOAH official status recognition for enhancing livestock exports. Kyrgyzstan currently has an official control programme for FMD endorsed by WOAH, and an application for official free status is planned as the next step.
This workshop marked another significant step in supporting WOAH Members in the region as they work towards achieving and maintaining official disease status recognition, ultimately improving animal health, trade opportunities, and disease control efforts.
Follow-up Regional training Workshop on WOAH Procedures for official status recognition, endorsement of official control programmes and maintenance with regard to foot and mouth disease (FMD) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR)
