Prague, 15 February 1996

Mr.

Prof.Dr Bernard T o m a

Chef du Service des Maladies contagieuses

Ecole National Veterinaire d'Alfort

94700 Maisons-Alfort

F R A N C E

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Dear Professor Toma,

Following our discussion in Yokohama I am writing you to suggest some ideas to be considered in connection with the preparation and realization of the next Symposium of the International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (I.S.V.E.E) to be held in France next year.

Taking into consideration:

a) the need for upgrading the international role of this society (unique in the world) in contributing to solve global animal population health/disease situation with the aim to improve it under the conditions of the next future;

b) critical gaps in action-oriented veterinary epidemiology theory and practice being reflected in falling behind the need of practical field results and desperate situation in practical veterinary economics methodology and its convincing impact;

c) that never before was the risk of animal diseases spreading as today opening the national borders for the trade with animals and their products together with significantly reduced necessary protective barriers and debilitating government veterinary services.

I would like to suggest the next symposium to start including in current programme the discussions on the most actual topics of international importance with the conclusions approved by the participants in form of statements, warning and recommendations addressed to all major relevant international bodies such as United Nations (FAO, WHO,etc.), OIE, WVA, regional authorities and national governments, eventually to respective international reference centers.

The voice of this international society representing world top level specialists in this field should be heard in "all the corners of the globe".

It should be considered how the global representation of this scientific society with voluntary membership could be improved (expanded).

I would be very grateful if you could send me the invitation for the next Symposium together with the programme and conditions for the participation.

I am ready to explain in more details my suggestions during this symposium. Beside this, if it will be the interest, I could prepare a contribution to fit to symposium programme.

Yours sincerely,

Prof.MVDr Vaclav K o u b a , DrSc.

Former Chief, Animal Health Service,

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations

P.B. 516, 17000 Prague

Czech Republic