19 November 2010: The 20th Session of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Regional Commission for the Americas, held 16-19 November 2010 in Montevideo, Uruguay, discussed links between climate change and emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, most of which are transmissible to humans.

Delegates reached a common position on the need to strengthen national veterinary services to address new risks associated with climate change. Acknowledging the complexity of the links between climate change and animal production, delegates also agreed on the need for further studies on the subject, while recognizing the considerable contribution that livestock make to human welfare. The need for good practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and for appropriate scientific research programmes also was emphasized.

The meeting further discussed the application of a global and regional strategy for the control of foot and mouth disease based on the implementation of official OIE recognition of national and regional eradication plans, developed taking into account the epidemiological and socioeconomic characteristics of each region and with the continuous methodological support of the OIE and FAO. [OIE Press release]