Jamaica ready to deal with exotic animal diseases
MONTEGO BAY, St James — State minister for industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries Floyd Green says Jamaica has an integrated plan in place to ensure the country’s preparedness for any outbreak of exotic animal diseases and threats.
He said that the plan, which is managed by the National Emergency Animal Disease Committee (NEADCOM), is in accordance with Jamaica’s Animals (Diseases and Importation) Act, and consistent with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health.
The role of NEADCOM is to promulgate policies and coordinate inputs of different government ministries and other agencies in the prevention, control and eradication of foreign animal diseases.
“We have also invested in the provision of laboratory services and a traceability system to enhance disease surveillance and monitoring, to ensure the highest levels of compliance in good agricultural practices,” Green added.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony for the 25th Seminar on Harmonisation of Registration and Control of Veterinary Medicines at Royalton White Sands hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny, on Monday.
The one-week conference, organised by the American Committee Veterinary Medicinal Products, was aimed at facilitating the harmonisation of standards, registries and controls of veterinary drugs among its member countries.