Issue on Ratifying the Charter of the European Commission for Controls of Dabagh Disease Debated

The European Commission for the Control of Dabagh, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD) is one of the oldest commissions operating under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It was established in 1954, and had done considerable work in more than 100 countries of Eurasia, Near East and Africa in the epidemiological difficult situations. The goal of the Commission was to establish an inter-governmental mechanism for coordinating the actions aimed at controlling the endemic disease in Europe. The RA Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan said, presenting for debate the issue on Ratifying the Charter of the European Commission for Controls of Dabagh Disease at the NA Standing Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Environment Protection.

The Minister noted that the Committee had a significant role in reducing the risks of the outbreak and spread of dabagh disease and ensuring high preparedness. The primary goal of the Committee is to counter the threats of dabagh and similar transboundary animal diseases, which in the regional aspect present economic danger for the country, resulting in economic restrictions.

According to Gevorg Papoyan, the role of the Commission is to coordinate the activity of the member countries in controlling and preventing the disease. In case of recording the disease, the member countries of the Commission are provided with support in acquiring diagnostic and preventive materials, organizing and implementing measures to combat the disease. The rapporteur noted that Armenia will annually pay 4081 USD for the membership. The RA representative is appointed member of the Commission Committee with the possibility of giving consultation on concrete technical issues and participating in the work of the general session.

According to the Minister, the role of the Commission is significant in the process of revising control of dabagh annually being carried out in Armenia. 38 countries join the Commission, and in the region - Georgia and Türkiye.

Gevorg Papoyan also answered the MPs' questions, noting that there is stable animal epidemic situation.

The Committee endorsed the debated issue.

The bill designing an addendum to the law On Administrative-Territorial Division of the Republic of Armenia was debated in the second reading.