Regional Bovine Health Program

Objective: To contribute to the adoption of the regional strategy for the progressive control of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in the countries of the region. Additionally, to work towards obtaining risk categorization for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and strengthening prevention and control actions against the bovine paralytic rabies virus.

Brucellosis and tuberculosis are zoonotic diseases caused by bacteria. These diseases, which restrict trade, have a high economic cost and represent a sanitary challenge for their control and eradication.

OIRSA supports the adoption of the regional strategy for the progressive control of brucellosis and tuberculosis in Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic through the monitoring and supervision of new national programs for the progressive control of brucellosis and tuberculosis under development, as well as the promotion of new programs in member countries that request it. Official veterinarians and private veterinarians are trained in applying the technical criteria of the regional strategy, and national laboratories in member countries are strengthened with supplies for the diagnosis of both diseases.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are neurodegenerative diseases caused by prions, which typically remain asymptomatic but are slowly progressive and fatal once clinical signs develop. While cattle are the primary host, some prions can cross inter-species barriers.

BSE is considered a zoonotic disease, with a presumed link to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans. It can lead to trade sanctions. First diagnosed in the United Kingdom in November 1986, it resulted in one of the most devastating epizootics. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine for this disease, nor is there any diagnostic method to confirm suspected BSE in live animals.

Therefore, OIRSA seeks to support countries, upon request, in obtaining insignificant or controlled risk categorization for BSE through epidemiological surveillance of BSE. Additionally, it aims to strengthen national laboratories for disease diagnosis.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by a neurotropic virus, meaning it affects the nervous system of mammals. It is usually fatal once clinical signs develop. There are two types of rabies: urban and sylvatic. Rabies in herbivores is transmitted by the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) and is of sanitary and economic interest to OIRSA member countries.Desmodus rotundus) y es de interés sanitario y económico para los países de la región del OIRSA.

The organization aims to strengthen the diagnostic capacity for rabies virus in the veterinary diagnostic laboratories of member countries. To achieve this goal, OIRSA is collaborating with the University of Glasgow (Scotland) on a regional project for the phylogenetic characterization of the rabies virus. Additionally, it involves acquiring materials and supplies to control bovine paralytic rabies (capture networks, anticoagulant, among others).