emirates7 - 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 January 20 to 22, 2025.
This gathering brings together over 80 experts, researchers, and policymakers from more than 30 countries to discuss strategies for controlling PPR and develop initiatives that support sustainable development and global livestock protection. It marks the first time the Middle East has hosted this event, reflecting the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's dedication to advancing the Global Programme for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants, aligned with the 2030 strategies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The event underscores ADAFSA’s pivotal role in promoting international collaboration to combat animal diseases. Through its Camel Disease Reference Centre, the Authority is strengthening partnerships with countries, research institutions, and reference centres to eradicate diseases that threaten livestock and global food security.
Participants include renowned experts, researchers, and officials from prominent global reference centres and laboratories such as France's CIRAD, the United Kingdom's Pirbright Institute, and China's Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre (CAHEC). Representatives from leading universities, research institutions, regional organisations such as the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the African Union, as well as NGOs and private sector stakeholders, are also attending.
Over three days, the meeting will explore the latest developments in PPR control, including advancements in epidemiology, surveillance, diagnostic systems, vaccination programmes, and integrating eradication efforts with other livestock disease control strategies. Highlights include discussions on innovations like heat-resistant vaccines and advanced diagnostic techniques, which contribute to global eradication efforts.
Dr. Arif Kalantar, Acting Executive Director of ADAFSA's Development and Innovation Sector, expressed pride in Abu Dhabi hosting the meeting for the first time in the Middle East. He described the event as a critical platform for discussing scientific advancements and innovative solutions to eradicate PPR by 2030, in line with FAO and WOAH strategies, while supporting global food security.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kalantar welcomed participants and emphasised Abu Dhabi's commitment to enhancing biosecurity and protecting animal health as part of its broader strategy for food security. He noted that hosting the event highlights Abu Dhabi's leadership in scientific research and innovation. ADAFSA aims to foster cooperation with international institutions and exchange knowledge with global experts to tackle animal diseases that threaten livestock and public health.
Dr. Kalantar also highlighted the achievements of ADAFSA’s Camel Disease Reference Centre, including developing the world’s first test to measure the efficiency of serological analysis for PPR in camels. This breakthrough enhances methods for detecting PPR virus antibodies and clarifies the role of camels in transmitting the virus to small ruminants. These advancements support serological surveys and the creation of optimal control strategies, contributing to global eradication efforts.
He concluded, “This event is a significant opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for animal diseases, strengthen international partnerships, and advance the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, ultimately supporting food security locally and globally.”
Participants include universities, research institutions, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, members of the PPR Advisory Committee, and the PPR-GREN Secretariat.
This gathering brings together over 80 experts, researchers, and policymakers from more than 30 countries to discuss strategies for controlling PPR and develop initiatives that support sustainable development and global livestock protection. It marks the first time the Middle East has hosted this event, reflecting the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's dedication to advancing the Global Programme for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants, aligned with the 2030 strategies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The event underscores ADAFSA’s pivotal role in promoting international collaboration to combat animal diseases. Through its Camel Disease Reference Centre, the Authority is strengthening partnerships with countries, research institutions, and reference centres to eradicate diseases that threaten livestock and global food security.
Participants include renowned experts, researchers, and officials from prominent global reference centres and laboratories such as France's CIRAD, the United Kingdom's Pirbright Institute, and China's Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre (CAHEC). Representatives from leading universities, research institutions, regional organisations such as the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the African Union, as well as NGOs and private sector stakeholders, are also attending.
Over three days, the meeting will explore the latest developments in PPR control, including advancements in epidemiology, surveillance, diagnostic systems, vaccination programmes, and integrating eradication efforts with other livestock disease control strategies. Highlights include discussions on innovations like heat-resistant vaccines and advanced diagnostic techniques, which contribute to global eradication efforts.
Dr. Arif Kalantar, Acting Executive Director of ADAFSA's Development and Innovation Sector, expressed pride in Abu Dhabi hosting the meeting for the first time in the Middle East. He described the event as a critical platform for discussing scientific advancements and innovative solutions to eradicate PPR by 2030, in line with FAO and WOAH strategies, while supporting global food security.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kalantar welcomed participants and emphasised Abu Dhabi's commitment to enhancing biosecurity and protecting animal health as part of its broader strategy for food security. He noted that hosting the event highlights Abu Dhabi's leadership in scientific research and innovation. ADAFSA aims to foster cooperation with international institutions and exchange knowledge with global experts to tackle animal diseases that threaten livestock and public health.
Dr. Kalantar also highlighted the achievements of ADAFSA’s Camel Disease Reference Centre, including developing the world’s first test to measure the efficiency of serological analysis for PPR in camels. This breakthrough enhances methods for detecting PPR virus antibodies and clarifies the role of camels in transmitting the virus to small ruminants. These advancements support serological surveys and the creation of optimal control strategies, contributing to global eradication efforts.
He concluded, “This event is a significant opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for animal diseases, strengthen international partnerships, and advance the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, ultimately supporting food security locally and globally.”
Participants include universities, research institutions, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, members of the PPR Advisory Committee, and the PPR-GREN Secretariat.