On Friday, 20 March, FVE convened a joint webinar on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Europe to launch a joint survey assessing experiences and perceptions of veterinarians in Europe regarding PPR preparedness and management. Bringing together over 250 participants to discuss this disease that has been increasing in significance in a European context in recent years. The intent of this survey is to help to inform better intervention strategies at national and European levels. The survey (accessible HERE until 30th April), which will hopefully elucidate ways to improve awareness, preparedness and control of PPR, we therefore encourage you to fill in the survey, and share it widely with colleagues to do the same! The European strain of PPR observed is difficult to detect based on clinical signs, so a deeper understanding of the topics of this survey may prove to be vital. The survey is available in 15 languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Estonian, French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Spanish, Albanian, Serbian, and Turkish. It should not take more than 20 minutes to complete.
EASVO Past-President Jane Clark welcomed the participants and Olivier Kwiatek (Virologist at the PPR EURL, CIRAD) provided an overview of the European PPR situation, first notified in Europe in 2024. Notably, clinical signs in the recent outbreaks were non-specific or subclinical, making passive surveillance and earlly detection a greater challenge. Sara Lysholm (PPR Status Officer, WOAH) explained the global situation of PPR and the important role of WOAH and disease-free status regarding PPR. Gloria Hylviu (Pharmacovigilance expert, Albanian National Authority for Veterinary and Plant Protection) shared insights from her role in the command chain and emergency response group during the PPR outbreak in Albania. She was keen to highlight the support Albania received from neighbouring countries, and that difficult moments reveal not only the fragility of systems, but the strength of those who care, act and stand by each other.
Recap, slides and recording available HERE.
This was the most recent webinar of the animal health series, with previous recordings accessible HERE.
