The ECO Directorate for Agriculture and Industry participated virtually in the 9th Meeting of the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Advisory Committee, organized by the Joint FAO–WOAH PPR Secretariat under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), held in Paris from 26–28 October 2026.
Over the course of the three-day meeting, participants exchanged views on the current PPR situation and key issues shaping the global eradication agenda. The meeting provided an opportunity to consider progress and challenges in PPR control and eradication, recent technical and research developments, opportunities for partnership and resource mobilization, and the longer-term timeline for achieving global eradication under the PPR Global Eradication Programme.
On 26 October 2026, as part of the session on Regional Progress in Central Asia, the ECO Agriculture and Industry Directorate presented an overview of the PPR situation in the ECO region and highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation on PPR and other transboundary animal diseases.
It was noted that the PPR situation varies considerably across the ECO region: while some Member States have achieved officially recognized PPR-free status or made significant progress under the PPR Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT) framework, others continue to face endemic risks and implement vaccination, surveillance and disease-control programmes. This diversity underscores the importance of regional coordination, information exchange and targeted technical support, alongside strong national ownership of eradication efforts.
On behalf of the ECO Secretariat, Mr. Fallahi highlighted animal trade and veterinary cooperation as an established priority of ECO’s agricultural agenda, supported through regional mechanisms and cooperation among veterinary authorities and relevant institutions in the region.
