SAARC Workshop Stresses Stronger Regional Action on Cross-Border Animal Diseases

A two-day regional workshop titled “Assessing the Impact of Transboundary Animal Diseases in South Asia” and the meeting of the SAARC Chief Veterinary Officers Forum have begun in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event, jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre in Dhaka and Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health, commenced on Wednesday, 10 December.

Policymakers, scientists, and veterinary experts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are participating, alongside representatives from the World Organisation for Animal Health (Asia-Pacific), the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office, the Livestock and Crop Production Systems Initiative, and other regional and international bodies.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening session, D.P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, highlighted the importance of investing in technology, laboratory capacity, and early warning systems. He noted that safeguarding animal health is vital for food security, rural economies, and regional trade.

Guest of honour Dr. Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary of the same ministry, outlined Sri Lanka’s progress in strengthening veterinary services and disease surveillance systems. She said the workshop creates opportunities for sharing experiences and harmonizing regional strategies.

Representing the SAARC Secretariat, Tanvir Ahmed Torofdar, Director (ARD and SDF) from Nepal, emphasized better coordination between national disease control programs and regional frameworks. He added that the SAARC Secretariat will give greater priority to cross-border cooperation, capacity building, and integrated reporting systems.

Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, stated, “No single country can tackle transboundary animal diseases alone. Shared knowledge, collective experience, and coordinated actions are essential for sustainably protecting South Asia’s livestock sector.”

In his concluding remarks as session chair, Dr. K.K. Sarath, Chief Veterinary Officer and Director General of Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health, underscored the importance of sustained regional commitment.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Md. Yunus Ali, Senior Programme Specialist at the SAARC Agriculture Centre, said that enhanced disease surveillance, joint research, and rapid response mechanisms are crucial for safeguarding rural livelihoods dependent on livestock.

The two-day workshop will include technical sessions, country presentations, and focused group discussions. Key recommendations will be forwarded to the SAARC Chief Veterinary Officers Forum for policy-level consideration. The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of SAARC member states to strengthening regional cooperation in combating transboundary animal diseases and protecting the livelihoods of millions.

DBTech/AB/EK/OR