The Conference recommended that contagious bovine pleuropneumonia surveillance in Africa be strengthened, especially at borders, and that a coordinated control plan be implemented in each country, based on vaccination or slaughter, depending upon available resources. Another subject discussed at length in Pretoria is the role of veterinarians in the protection of public health in Africa . The veterinarians responsible for the control of these zoonoses, and for verifying the hygiene of food of animal origin, are thus finding their responsibilities increased, whereas the financial and human resources placed at their disposal are often being reduced as a result of budgetary constraints. Only a concerted effort of organisation between African countries, assisted by other countries from around the world, will allow them to meet this challenge. This is particularly true given the fact that health problems in other regions of the world can have direct or indirect implications for public health and animal production in Africa.
African countries fear the introduction of the disease through European products.
They would like to be recognised as free from BSE, given the natural conditions under which their livestock is extensively produced. OIE, the world organisation for animal health , was created in 1924 and has its headquarters in Paris. It brings together 144 countries, whose Delegates form an 'International Committee', and is supported by the work of four Specialist Commissions and five Regional Commissions, including the Regional Commission for Africa. The OIE s mission is to inform and advise the Veterinary Services of its Member Countries in order to contribute to the eradication of those animal diseases most dangerous for animals or humans, and to determine the health standards for international trade.