The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia develops cooperation with the International Epizootic Bureau
On February 7 in Paris, at the headquarters of the International Epizootic Bureau (OIE), a working meeting was held between Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev and OIE Director General Monique Eloy. The parties discussed the epizootic situation in Russia, our country's participation in international OIE projects and other issues of cooperation.
As the head of the Ministry of Agriculture noted, the International Epizootic Bureau effectively accomplishes the task of ensuring the safety of food of animal origin throughout the world. As the leading international organization for counteracting the onset and spread of animal diseases, the bureau allows countries to increase exports of safe animal products. According to Dmitry Patrushev, for Russia this is also a fundamental task.
One of the key topics of the meeting was the question of the status of the Russian Federation as a country with a zone free from foot and mouth disease without vaccination. The Minister stressed that Russia is doing serious work to restore this status. Thus, the requirements for foot-and-mouth disease have been harmonized with the requirements of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code - an order has been issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia to approve new veterinary regulations for this disease.
In addition, Russia is working on getting the status of a country with controlled risk in bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
The parties also considered the development of cooperation between the OIE and Russian specialized organizations, in particular, the Federal Center for Animal Health and the All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Medicines for Animals and Feed.
At the end of the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev noted that Russia is open to an effective dialogue and mutually beneficial work with the bureau, and expressed hope for the continuation of efficient cooperation.