Prague, 30 March 2001

Prof. Mo S a l m a n, M.D.

Chairman, ISVEE

College of Veterinary Medicine and

Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1676

U S A

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Dear Mo,

this is to acknowledge with many thanks receipt of the plenary session papers of the Colorado Symposium.

Dramatic worsening of animal population health situation in the world, due to diseases spreading through international trade, calls for reconsidering ISVEE program. Any independent international society of this type tries to help as much as possible to solve global practical problems by expressing its professional views about the situation and its solution.

ISVEE cannot "bury its head in the sand" not reacting to disastrous disease situation in animal populations in the world. Metaphorically speaking, on the one hand veterinary services are able to save life of thousands of sick animals and on the other hand at the same time millions of animals become sick due to diseases spreading at national and international levels as never before. This is worst than the work of mythological Sisyphus whose infinite task had been always of the same size. There is no doubt that theory and practice of veterinary medicine, namely preventive medicine and veterinary epidemiology are in global crisis. Key criterion is their practical impact on animal population health in the world.

I would like to suggest once again, the ISVEE, now under your chairmanship, to start warning and alarming the world about critical situation. Many newly introduced enzootics are becoming unmanageable, first of all in developing countries. I am not panic-monger, all my statements are based upon solid analyses of available facts and official data from countries.

Next chance ISVEE has during next World Veterinary Congress.

I learnt that after our Symposium in Breckenridge a special meeting on "disease low prevalence" was held at your university in Fort Collins. I would be very grateful if you could be so kind and send me a copy of the final protocol.

With personal regards

Vaclav K o u b a

P.B. 516, 17000 Praha 7

Czech Republic