Dr Jean B l a n c o u
Director
General
International
Office of Epizootics (OIE)
12, Rue de
Prony
75017 P a r i s
XVII
F R A N C E
-----------------------------------
Ref.:OIE
Documents - comments and recommendations
Dear Dr
Blancou,
following our discussion during my visit of
the OIE HQs in July last year, I have elaborated several comments and
suggestions to be considered when preparing next issue of some OIE documents.
Selected recommendations were handed to Dr.
Leos Celeda, Permanent Delegate to OIE and then I sent letters with more
detailed proposals to Dr Reichard (on 15/12/1997) and to Dr Chillaud (on
16/12/97 and 10/1/98). Because I am not sure if the addressees have received
these letters, I am sending copies of them to you for information and
consideration.
I would like to use this opportunity and
express my concern about animal
diseases globalization risk emerging with increasing globalization of
trade in animals and their products. According to my opinion the measures for the protection of specific
diseases free populations and territories under historically new conditions must be much more demanding and complex
than any time before.
This requires not only corresponding
international norms, standards and much more reliable information but also very
well staffed and equipped government
veterinary services (including own diagnostic
laboratories) supported by adequate legislation to be able to monitor and
control effectively the country diseases situation at field level and to inspect consequentially the trade in animals
and their raw products.
Nobody wants the next generations to blame
our generation for worsening of animal population health global situation with
negative, not always reparable, multiplying and long-term up to lasting
consequences. (This is not the case of all other commodities, i.e. of inanimate
character).
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr Vaclav K o u b a, DrSc.
P.B. 516
17000
Prague 7
Czech
Republic
Annex: pages
V.K.