Abu Dhabi Hosts The 7th Annual Meeting Of PPR-GREN To Enhance Global Livestock Protection Strategies

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is hosting the 7th Annual Meeting of the Global Research and Expertise Network for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR-GREN) from 20th to 22nd January 2025. This event gathers over 80 experts, researchers, and decision-makers from more than 30 countries to discuss strategies for controlling PPR and developing future initiatives that support sustainable development and global livestock protection.

This marks the first time the Middle East has hosted such an event, highlighting the UAE's commitment to supporting the Global Programme for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants. This initiative aligns with strategies from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) aiming for eradication by 2030. The meeting underscores ADAFSA’s role in fostering international collaboration to combat animal diseases.

The event features a distinguished group of experts, researchers, and officials from around the world. Participants include representatives from global reference centres like CIRAD in France, the Pirbright Institute in the UK, and CAHEC in China. Other attendees include leading research institutions, universities, regional organisations such as the European Union, GCC, African Union, NGOs, along with vaccine and diagnostic reagent manufacturers.

Over three days, discussions will focus on recent scientific developments related to PPR. Topics include epidemiology, surveillance systems, vaccination programmes, and integrating eradication strategies with other livestock disease control efforts. Innovations like heat-resistant vaccines and advanced diagnostic techniques will be showcased to aid global eradication efforts.

Dr. Arif Kalantar, Acting Executive Director of ADAFSA's Development and Innovation Sector, expressed pride in hosting this meeting in Abu Dhabi. He emphasised its importance as a platform to explore scientific advancements and innovative solutions to eradicate PPR by 2030. This aligns with FAO and WOAH strategies supporting food security locally and globally.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kalantar welcomed participants from various international organisations. He highlighted that this gathering reflects ADAFSA’s vision to enhance biosecurity and protect animal health as part of a comprehensive strategy for food security. "Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this international meeting underscores its leadership in scientific research," he stated.

Innovative Solutions for Animal Health

Dr. Arif also highlighted achievements at ADAFSA’s Camel Disease Reference Centre. Notably, they developed the world’s first test measuring serological analysis efficiency for PPR in camels. This breakthrough helps verify methods for detecting antibodies to the PPR virus and understanding camels' role in transmitting it to small ruminants.

Participants include leading universities, research institutions, civil society organisations, private sector supporters, members of the PPR Advisory Committee, and the Secretariat of PPR-GREN. Dr. Arif added that they look forward to developing innovative solutions for animal diseases through partnerships enhancing international efforts to protect livestock.

The Camel Disease Reference Centre is intensifying efforts to activate joint action among countries and research institutions to eradicate diseases threatening livestock and food security globally. These advancements contribute significantly to serological surveys and optimal control strategies while supporting global eradication efforts.

This event aims to build partnerships enhancing international efforts towards achieving One Health by linking humans, animals, and the environment while supporting food security at both local and global levels.

With inputs from WAM