India hosted the 33rd Conference of the WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific from November 13 to 16, 2023. This 4-day event was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, MOFAHD at New Delhi.

The decision to host this event was made during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May 2023.

The delegates, chief veterinary officers and experts from 24 member countries, senior officers from regional and international organizations, and representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations in the region, participated physically, with others joining virtually.

The delegates and representatives of global and regional organizations deliberated on pressing animal health issues like bird flu/avian influenza, rabies, FMD, ASF, LSD recognizing the need for a collaborative regional approach due to the borderless nature of these diseases.

Emphasizing the importance of information sharing and establishing multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms involving veterinary services, public health, and environmental health, including wildlife conservation, discussions underscored the necessity for robust policy and legal frameworks.

Acknowledging that effective coordination demands equitable financial and resource allocation, the meeting focused on preventive measures like vaccinations, diseases intelligence, competent laboratories, and a skilled veterinary workforce.

Indonesia expressed willingness to host the 34th WOAH regional conference for Asia and the Pacific. Dr. Baoxu Huang, President, WOAH, Regional Commission for Asia Pacific, delivered a vote of thanks during the valedictory session.