MINUTES OF THE SADC DIAGNOSTIC SUB COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN LIVINGSTONE , ZAMBIA FROM 26TH – 28TH APRIL, 2006 Attendance: Ms. Julia Shimwino Namibia Dr. Patrick Chikongwa Malawi Dr. Swithine Kabilika Zambia Dr. Manuel da Silva Mozambique Dr. Welborne Madzima Tanzania Dr. Pious Makaya Zimbabwe Dr. Liywali Mataa Zambia Dr. Pascal Bonnet Botswana Dr. Francois Thiaucourt France Dr. Halifa Msami Tanzania Dr. Charles Nyeleti Zambia Dr. Peter Sinyangwe Zambia Dr. Misheck Mulumba Malawi Dr. Edinton Baipoledi Botswana Mr. Gift Moono Zambia

Absent with Apologies: Ms. Dellilie Wessels RSA

Opening ceremony: Dr. Kabilika the Chief Veterinary Research Officer at Central Veterinary Research Institute welcomed delegates to the meeting at 08.30 hours. He called upon the participants to introduce themselves, which they did. Dr. Kabilika called upon Dr. Makaya, the Chairperson for SADC Veterinary Laboratories to speak a few words before calling upon the guest of honour the Permanent Secretary for the Southern Province where the meeting was being held. Dr. Makaya welcomed the participants to the meeting then he called upon the Permanent Secretary to take the floor. Mr. Hakayobe, the Permanent Secretary for the Southern Province welcomed participants to Livingstone. He said for the Livestock industry to progress properly, problems that are associated to it must be identified. Mr. Hakayobe went on to say that the control of Livestock diseases to reduce mortality is the first responsibility together with early detection that helps to check the diseases from spreading. The Permanent Secretary said the above falls directly under the SADC veterinary Laboratories responsibility and cannot be overemphasised. Mr. Hakayobe mentioned on the need to keep preparedness as regards Avian Influenza which has been reported in one of the nearby SADC countries. He declared the meeting open at 09.30 hours. (The full speech delivered by the Permanent Secretary is attached as Addendum I)

Action Dr. Makaya thanked the Permanent Secretary for his speech and said the sub committee would work hard to address the important issues in the speech. Dr. Kabilika took over after tea break and appointed Dr. Mulumba to be the time keeper. Before that a minute of silence was observed for Dr. Makumba from the DRC who died in 2004 and the confirmation was just made in the current meeting.

Session 1 (27-4-06) Chairperson : Dr. Kabilika

(a) Adoption of agenda. The agenda was adopted with minor adjustments. The minutes of the meeting held in Maputo, Mozambique from 13th – 14th April, 2005 were read and corrections made. The minutes were later proposed to be a true record of the said meeting. Proposed by Dr. Makaya and seconded by Dr. Manuel da Silva. The meeting agreed that the format of the minutes (a design by Dr. Makaya) be the one that should be used from now onwards.

(b) Matters arising from the minutes of the

Maputo meeting. The minutes were referred to page by page and the following points came up :-

Funding for quality systems: The following countries : Zambia, Namibia and Mozambique have done their quality budget but shall lobby for more funding from their respective countries. The funds they are using are from allocations for other laboratory supplies. Zimbabwe and Botswana have quality budget allocation in place and have no problem in funding. In the case of Tanzania, the Tanzanian delegate said the new Government that has been ushered in office has created a new Ministry of

Livestock Services and he expects good funding in the near future, more so that his laboratory has been up graded to the level of a Department. The Malawi delegate said no specific quality budget is in place but they use a diagnostic budget for the main laboratory activities. He said the Government of Malawi has however recognised the importance of Agriculture and is doing everything possible to fund Agricultural activities. Dr. Kabilika urged all the delegate to make sure that they do their quality budgets and forward them to their financial controllers for action as they do their main laboratory budgets. Dr. Makaya urged the delegate from Tanzania to put in the budget only prioritised items considering the fact that African Governments do budget cuts. The Tanzanian delegate said already his Government has allocated his Department a handsome US Dollars 60,000 for diagnostic services. Capacity building for CBPP diagnosis: The meeting heard that Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique have capacity for CBPP diagnosis. Zimbabwe have no capacity but are trying to build capacity for CBPP diagnosis through construction of a laboratory on lake Kariba near the Zambian Boarder. Dr. Kabilika advised that a CFT testing method could instead be instituted by Zimbabwe instead of embarking on an expensive venture of constructing a new laboratory. On the question of laboratories entering into contracts through net working, the meeting heard that Botswana was using mainly CFT for screening have enough capacity to assist other laboratories. The Botswana delegate agreed that net working among the SADC laboratories is not there. The Malawi delegate said as regards to CBPP they contract OVI but that the Central Veterinary laboratory – Malawi is seriously slowly considering building capacity. He said Malawi has had no CBPP outbreak as yet but screening tests could be established. The Malawi delegate said opening of links with Namibia and

Botswana to be looked into. The meeting further heard that other countries outside the SADC region have benefited from the training exchange ie. Nigeria and Kenya. The meeting was questioned to why such collaboration could not be done with the SADC laboratories. The meeting concluded that all SADC laboratories to work together and training contracts should be seriously looked into both for long and short term that should be at a reduced cost, however, this should not apply to those laboratories outside the SADC region. Dr. Baipoledi said he has a new member of staff in his laboratory and he asked Dr. Kabilika to draw up a training program for him in CBPP diagnosis. Dr. Kabilika said he will communicate to Botswana when sample collection commences.

Diagnosis of AI: Dr. Baipoledi said there is little progress in Avian Influenza diagnosis. He said laboratories should look at simple tests of screening. Dr. Kabilika said there is need for the sub committees to pass a resolution with regards to Avian Influenza. Dr. Mulumba said at a meeting he attended in Kenya (TCP), it came out clearly that SADC laboratories should build capacity, at least in screening tests. He said heads of laboratories agreed to train both professionals and technicians. The meeting was assured by Dr. Mulumba that it was a matter of time that capacity building shall be done for Avian Influenza screening in most SADC laboratories. However he seats in the meetings and he would forward the proposals and recommendations.

Attendance of Members Countries at Meetings: The problem of communication identified to be one leading to low attendance at meetings. Dr. Baipoledi said his notice and the one for Tanzania was sent on time and received in good time for travel arrangements to be made. The meeting was informed that there was a confusion with regards to invitation for Namibia, it instead went to DRC and the one who was supposed to

receive it had moved out to another posting. The meeting was told that the Sub committee Chairperson will in future copy minutes to both the LTC and SADC Secretariat. Further on communication, Dr. Makaya said he communicated to all that needed to be communicated to. Other points on matters arising: Rabies Diagnosis: The meeting agreed that National laboratories should decentralise Rabies diagnosis to ensure a 24 hour service. Zambia:- Zambia reported that Chipata (Eastern Province), Ndola (Copperbelt Province) and Mongu have capacity to diagnose Rabies using the FAT technique. Mozambique:- Mozambique is planning to install at least one (1) fluorescent microscope in a few key regional area. Zimbabwe:- Zimbabwe reported that they have just identified a fluorescent microscope during equipment inventory in one of the store rooms. He is planning to test it and send it to one of the regional laboratories. Dr. Mulumba and Dr. Manuel da Silva said decentralisation of laboratory services was not only needed in case of Rabies but also for other diseases like Avian Influenza etc. To this end they suggested that AGID for Avian Influenza be used as a screening test and should be adopted by all SADC laboratories. AGID is a cheap and easier of the screening tests. Preparation of TOR (Terms of Reference): The responsibility to prepare the TOR was given to Dr. Makaya together with Pascal Bonnet.

Dr. Makaya Dr. Pascal Bonnet to prepare TOR

Format for reporting country disease situation: Dr. Makaya report that he has circulated the format and he hopes it has reached all the SADC laboratories. He further said laboratories that are not using the format should start doing so.

Venue for next meeting: Malawi was unanimously chosen to host the next meeting. Country report on disease status (TAD’s) and print consultancy report. The reports for various countries are as follows:-

Malawi Country report:- During 2005 the CVL – Malawi confirmed ASF, ND, Rabies, BQ, ECF, Anaplasmosis including Babesiosis. The monitoring of TADs including AI continued. The constraints at CVL – Malawi include inadequate diagnostic capacity with respect to qualified and skilled laboratory personnel, equipment and supply of reagents adversely affect – the delivery of diagnostic services. CVL-Malawi only has 2 veterinarians and 33 technicians. The lab cannot also not conduct notifiable diseases. FMD - Malawi did not experience any out break.CBPP - The disease has not yet been reported in Malawi. ASF - This disease is endemic in Malawi a total of 22 outbreaks with 4130 clinical cases and 3450 deaths were reported. Rabies- 67 samples were submitted to the lab From dogs, 2 in felines, 3 from Jackals 2 in Humans were confirmed to be positive on FAT. ND - This disease is endemic in Malawi 15 Samples were positive out of 26 that were Submitted using the Haemagglutination Inhibition test. Lack of surveillance have affected specimens submission. CVL – Malawi produces ND vaccine and the lab has an annual production. Capacity of 3 million doses Quality Management System:- CVL-Malawi is implementing the QMS but are

behind in Management commitment, quality policy manual, quality procedures manual, equipment calibration, maintenance procedures, document control and internal audits. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS EMERGING FROM THE MALAWI REPORT. • Mr. Moono wanted to know the cattle

population in Malawi as compared to only 5 Veterinary Officers the whole country. Dr. Chikongwa said there were 800,000 cattle and staff are few but there was a deliberate program to train more at Masters level. He said the issue is being looked into by the Government.

• Dr. Manuel da Silva and Dr. Msami wanted to know as to why Malawi sends specimen to RSA when he is complaining that Airlines are few and slow, taking into consideration that countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana can offer the same services. Dr. Chikongwa said it was still cheaper to send to RSA.

Dr. Madzima wanted to know the connection between CTTBD and the CVL – Malawi, if there was any collaboration. Dr. Chikongwa said there was a lot of collaboration between the two laboratories in CBPP. It was reported that all samples to CVL pass through the CTTBD . Dr. Mulumba said that the centre is under utilised and it was not only for ticks but is also capable of other activities like human Trypanosomiasis diagnosis. Mozambique Country Report: (By Dr. Manuele da Silva) He out lined the activities of his lab as:- • Research in Animal disease • Research in Animal Production • Quality Control and Food hygiene • Production of Biologicals: rabies, ND,

Anthrax, BQ and Tuberculin • CVL –Mozambique has the following

sections; Pathology, Bacteriology, Parasitology Virology, Media prep.

• Available tests being; NCD- IB, IBD,ILT fowl pox – viral isolation for Avian diseases. Also able to carryout Haemagglutination inhibition tests:- Mareks, IBD, Blue tongue – agar gel immuno diffusion; ASF, Rabies – Fluorescent antibody tests; ASF – Elisa tests.

• Vaccine Production ND - 3,000,000 doses Anthrax - 500,000 doses BQ - 500,000 doses Rabies – 100,000 doses Avian pox – 2,000,000 doses

Zimbabwe Report: (By Dr. Pious Makaya) Dr. Makaya listed the environmental factors influencing the diagnostic process as:- • Creation of division of Vet services and

animal production. • DVTS consisting of VDR and VPH branches. • High staff turnover – need for Human

Resources capacity building. • Scarcity of forex for reagent, proficiency and

inter laboratory testing. • Inadequate transport services for extension and

research. Diagnostic and Research Capacity building:- • Replacement of old equipment with new

donated ones from projects. • Four (4) provincial laboratories have been

equipped to do screening tests. • Training of newly recruited staff being

initialised. • Construction of a P3 level lab almost complete

but needing equipment.

Major diagnostic achievements:- • AI,H5 N2 antibody detected on 2 ostrich farms

in Matebeleland in the Northern Province. • PCR assays for ND and FMD being done • Successful production and validation of Tag

Polymerase. • Local production of rabies FAT conjugate • Efficient reliable routine diagnostic service

being maintained against economic conditions and lack of forex.

* AI Diagnosis and Action taken:- AI H5 Ab detected using HAI test in 2005. The above were confirmed by Alliton poultry reference lab in RSA to quarantine and a slaughter policy was carried out. • AI active surveillance was carried out on both

poultry and ostrich farms with – 4000 sera screened and no more positives’ detected.

So far no virus has been detected even with OVI carrying out isolation tests on samples submitted. All screened samples have showed no positives. The P3 laboratory being constructed on the Kariba will be used for virus isolation thus cutting out OVI.

Emergency preparedness plan:- • AI National task force is in place. • The task force is however awaiting

disbursement of global funds.

Vaccine production activities:- • 6 million doses of ND vaccine have been

produced in last 6 month. • 40,000 doses of Theileria • 70,000 doses of Babesia • 70,000 d0ses of Anaplasmosis vaccine.

Quality management system:- Virology and bacteriology section of the CVL-Zimbabwe are SANAS accredited for 180, 17025 standards. • CVL – Zimbabwe have also passed the 6

months surveillance assessment visit.

• CVL – Zimbabwe hopes to pass the 1 year visit.

Major Diagnosis and Research Challenges:- • High turn-over • Lack of forex for equipment and reagent

purchase. • Lack of capacity building under the Zimbabwe

land the farm program for new farmers. • Transport for diagnostic and Research erratic

sample submission low.

Way forward:- • Equipping the P3 lab • CBPP project proposal submitted to IAEA • Continuos lobbying Government for Forex • Continuos training of staff • Extension of accreditation to other labs • Purchasing production of 5 other major

vaccine. • QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

ARISING FROM THE REPORT. • Dr. Nyeleti wanted to know the assistance that

CVL-Zimbabwe would offer to others in the region. Dr. Makaya answered and said the laboratory is ready to offer training in a number of tests for TADS and quality management since the laboratory is SANNAS accredited.

• Dr. Nyeleti further wanted to know the measures that CVL – Zimbabwe is taking to reverse the downward trend in sample submission. Dr. Makaya said ( i) A new laboratory is being built in the Kariba area (ii) Reinforcement of surveillance (iii) Educating the emerging farmers in the land reform program.

• Dr. Msami wanted to know why Zimbabwe is busy building a new laboratory when 80% of staff are being lost for greener pastures. Dr. Makaya said recommendations are being made for new staff to be employed. He said exodus of personnel for greener pastures is a big problem.

• Dr. Kabilika wanted to know how the new laboratory in the Kariba area near Zambia shall affect Zambia. Dr. Makaya said the idea of taking the laboratory near the Zambian boarder was strategic to check on the TADS since they cross from Zambia.

• Dr. Manuel da Silva wanted to know how CVL – Zimbabwe is producing the Rabies conjugate production, how they are maintaining their equipment and calibration of the equipment. Dr. Makaya answered and said Zimbabwe competes well with OVI on the quality management system. He said the use of DNA/ RNA probes are services that can be extended to other SADC laboratories. Maintenance and calibration of equipment is a regional problem since there are few companies in the region that are in this field. He said the few who are carrying out the services are being hindered in that they need to be also accredited in this work.

Zambia Country Report:- (By Dr. Charles Nyeleti) In Zambia major TADS include FMD, CBPP, ASF with huge economic loses. CBPP diagnosis is done at CVRI, FMD cases are referred to OVI and BVI. Avian Influenza:- Zambia is also on alert with a task force in place. Measures taken for preparedness include active surveillance of water bodies that are frequented by migratory binds and domestic ones. Training of lab. personnel in AI diagnosis, acquisition of diagnostic reagents and protective clothing ; Awareness campaign for poultry farmers. Banning of export poultry products except for parent stock and deployment of escort personnel at the point of entry/exit in the country. CBPP:- Was initially confirmed to the Western part of Zambia is now spreading to other regions. Spreading is facilitated by illegal animal

movement in boarder areas. The CVRI-is able to carry out CBPP diagnosis through the use of CFT and Elisa. There is need for PCR technique in future. The disease is being controlled by mass vaccination, quarantine and slaughter policy for the reactors. FMD:- Is endemic in the stretch of land from Livingstone along the banks of the Zambezi river (220km from the river) into Kazungula up to Mwandi. FMD cases are referred to OVI for isolation and sero typing. GIS early warning against outbreaks, Surveillance and monitoring. CVRI his no capacity for FMD diagnosis. Quality Control:- The Institute is implementing the ISO 17025 standards and is preparing for possible accreditation with SANAS and virology labs. Other:- CVRI is involved in testing of day old chicks and breeding stock of salmonella for export and breeding in hatcheries. Vaccine production: CVRI are currently producing Rabies vaccine, Anthrax, BQ, HS and Soya inoculum. Constrains:- The main one is funding, no good communication facility, lack of experienced professional officers, lack of paper and efficient diagnostic tools ie. PCR, accessibility of CVRI is hampered by lack of a good road net work leading to the Institute, Hard water since the Institute seats on a limestone area, unreliable water and electricity supply, lastly exodus of experienced staff. COMMENTS ARISING FROM THE REPORT Dr. Makaya commended Zambia for being alert as regards to AI and CBPP. He requested for bench training to be conducted for one of his new members of staff in CBPP diagnosis.

Tanzania Country Report: (By Dr. Msami) Tanzania has 17.7 million heads of cattle 95% are kept traditionally. Livestock in Tanzania contributes to food security and have important social and cultural connotations. CVL-Tanzania is mandated for the following duties:- Vaccine production, disease surveillance and diagnosis, animal disease research, examination and certifications of meat and meat products for export. Constraints:- Funds for research and surveillance preferences are limited. • Long droughts • AI scare • Exodus equipment needing replacement • Lack of PCR technology • Uncompleted fencing around Institute Major changes in diagnostic management:- • A new Ministry has been created for Livestock

development. ADRAT has been upgraded to Departmental level. This will lead to an improved funding.

Major diagnostic outputs:- • 643 samples received in 2005

Avian 44, Bovine 135 • 12,052 (bovine 8,751, ovine and caprine 3,301 • 16,468 serum samples of wild birds intended

for export • 1,6062 wild bird samples • 1,400 domestic fowl serum samples submitted

to USA for bird flu assays • 49 feed samples analysed for nutritional values

using the near IR specimens • 1221 (108 buffy coat and 1113 blood films)

specimens were screened for haemoparasites. Viral:- • 32 canine brain tissue samples for Rabies were

tested (25 were positive).

• 322 FMD samples were received • 218 were received for ASF diagnosis. FMD

and ASF samples were referred to OVI Bacteriology Department:- • 1020 samples received tests used include

cultures and serology CBPP diagnosis:- • This is done by; clinical examination, PM

lessons and Histopathology . Confirmation is through lab. isolation, serology, CFT, Elisa, SAST/SABT.

Vaccine Production: • Bacterial vaccines being produced include:

Anthrax, BQ, S19 • ND 6,927, 600 doses produced/year. Quality Control Management:- Management commitment was present and effective, Quality police statement was done and all aspects of Quality Management as under ISO 17025 standards apart from quality budget and document country are implemented. Namibia Country Report:- (By Ms. Julia Shimwino) Major changes:- • Human – resignation of pathologist and 3

technicians • Recruitments – None being done • Lab has RT-PCR, laminar flow, Elisa reader,

Elisa washer, 2 computers and 2 printers. • Reagents: - Solid phase Elisa system. Elisa

reagents for BSE (Bio RAD). • Infrastructure:- Expansion of biotechnology

division to 4 units namely; Extraction, Electrophoresis, PCR, RT PCR, Introduction of BSE lab (Elisa).

• Financial resources:- being provided for by government-and NASS

• List A+A diseases under/surveillance

- FMD (active);CBPP (active) - AI(passive); ND(Passive) - Brucellosis (active); BSE (passive). Available and Operational Diagnostic tests:- • FMD - SPE • CBPP - CFT,ELISA,PCR • AT - ELISA • ND - ELISA • Brucellosis - RBT,CFT • BSE - ELIS

-

Sub contracted test include:- - Viral isolation for FMD, AI, ND to OVI and

BVI. - There are no measures being done to reduce

subcontracted tests in near future. Quality Management System:- The lab is working towards quality assurance, method validation, participating in lab testing in looking towards laboratory accreditation. Sample Submission:- In 2005 – 4,652 samples were received. Sample submissions have been on the rise mainly due to food hygiene, increase in serological samples and tests (FMD), surveillance enhanced, Rabies outbreak, awareness within farmers, establishments of state Veterinary Offices. Quality Management:- • Quality infrastructure is in place. (Manual,

Policy, tests SOPs). • Measurement tracebility done (balance. Over.

storage facilities) Constraints:- • No Quality Manager done to lack of a suitable

candidate. • QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

ARISING FROM THE NAMIBIAN REPORT.

• Dr. Mulumba asked the presenter as to what can be done to prevent exodus of staff. The presenter said it is a big problem in Namibia

and as long as the Government does not offer good conditions of service, it is difficult to retain staff. Dr. Mulumba commented and said there were two sernarios to the problem of staff exodus. Those exodus that are circulating within the region and those that seek greener pastures in Europe and America. He said the staff that are within Africa are just okey since the collaboration and consultancy is easily utilised from them. Dr. Kabilika said it was better in any case to continue training staff whatever the case. Dr. Manuel da Silva said it is better to bond the staff for a certain period of time. Dr. Sinyangwe said the main reason as to why there is a drift from Government to Private is that private pay better but funding is the same, he said. Dr. Thioucourt said in order for Government laboratories to get proper funding Veterinary services should be linked to Zooneses . He said this would also attract donors to institutions. Dr. Makaya suggested that a special meeting be called to discuss the problem of exodus since he said there was a common interested. Dr. Chikongwa called upon a resolution to be made on the subject.

• The PRINT consultant co-ordinator wanted more clarification on EU funding. The presenter said the Namibian Support Program Agency is the one that has been put in place and helps to provide equipment and other laboratory requisites. She said this is the one being funded by the EU.

Botswana Country Report:- (By Dr. E.K. Baipoledi). He apologised for coming late. He said one farming production area (Pikwe) that has been identified to Export beef to the EU, FMD outbreak was reported (FMD SAT2) cattle to cattle transmission. He said wild-life to cattle transmission cannot be overruled. He had to solve the problem and put measures in place before heading for Livingstone.

As regards TADS he said that the CVI-Botswana is the only Institution that provides services to the regional labs and district labs have no major capacity. He said the Institute has 130 staff members, 60 are support staff 12 are Vets the rest are Scientists and Technicians . He said his department is about to be made a Directorate. The CVL-Botswana has capacity to support trade (meat, milk, etc). The CVL – Botswana also has capacity for TAD’S diagnosis. No Capacity for ASF but FMD isolation is done elsewhere but can test 2,00 serological samples per week. CBPP – 10,000 samples per week. On AI, he said Botswana have capacity to develop PCR test. The CVL – Botswana have capacity for Rabies diagnosis also. Constraints:- • Training • Inter lab collaboration. Have timed with

Namibia, RSA. • Lab. equipment maintenance • Cost of reagents and kits is prohibitive. COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS: Dr. Chikongwa:- What capacity to you have for AI. Answer:- There is a task force which looks at preparedness at each level and are working very hard on this. It is in line with SADC initiative. Botswana worries over migratory birds. However, the CVL is to do serology (whether H5 or H7) Dr Sinyangwe wanted Dr. Baipoledi to amplify on what he had said on FMD. Dr. Baipoledi said FMD has broken out in a new area, it was confirmed to be SAT2 . It is a cattle to cattle transmission. Earlier FMD outbreak was in the Kasani area. Vaccination normally done in March, August and December. There is need to carryout research to determine the cold chain and ascertain the actual protection period of the vaccine. Wild meat traders have helped to spread FMD in cases where

wild animals to cattle transmission is suspected. General Review of Diagnostic subcommittee Recommendations form 2002-2006 (By Dr. Makaya Pious): Dr. Makaya out lined these as follows:- • Strengthening lab based disease surveillance

system. • Preparedness for emerging diseases of

economic and zoonotic importance ie. AI, TADS etc.

• Implementation good laboratory practices (GLP) and quality Management Systems (ISO 17005). On Avian Influenza (AI) WHO and FAO recommendations, outlined these as follows:-Capacity building of Veterinary lab.

• SADC Vet labs categorised into 3 levels; AI screening, confirmatory/nucleotide based tests and viral isolation and molecular characterisation – At least every SADC lab to carryout screening tests.

• Need for strong collaboration between medical and vet. Labs.

• Inter-laboratory and proficiency testing • Training in disease recognition and lab

diagnosis. • Research into the role of other species of

animals e.g Pigs, Cats, Tigers etc. in transmission of AI identification of serotypes.

Quality Management System:- • All SADC labs to observe inter nationally

recognised good laboratory practice. • All SADC labs to introduce quality

management system based on ISO 17025 standard.

• Labs to officially include a quality management post on their establishments or appoint an equivalent and create a quality management system budget line.

• Training of lab personnel in quality

management issues. • Documentation of the quality management

system. • Harmonisation and standardisation of

diagnostic tests. Major achievements:- • Training (CTTBD and individual country

efforts). • Although no IAEA equipment support as a

SADC project was received some equipment form iaea was received through individual country proposals.

• Putting disciplinary national AI task forces in place.

• Quality management is in place or is being implemented in all SADC labs.

Tasks and recommendations not achieved. • Equipment replacement, diagnostic kit

production and distribution • Harmonisation and standardisation of

diagnostic tests. • Combined meeting for SADC diagnostics,

Epidemiology and VVPH subcommittees. • Upgrade Vet. Public health system. • Capacity building for AI diagnosis. Dr. Makaya gave the following points as way forward:- • All resolutions passed should answer the

following questions: What to be done, by when should the task be completed. By whom the task to be done.

• Training, equipment replacement, all tests based on OIE stands.

• Every SADC country should have the capacity to at least screen for AI.

• SADC labs should make use of the global funds for AI for support-budgets for lab. components of emergency preparedness plan.

• Good lab practice (GPL) should be observed in all SADC labs.

Print Livestock:- (Dr. Madzima – Project Coordinator) Dr. Madzima started by out lining the meaning of (PRINT).ie. Promotion of Regional Integration of Networking of livestock sector in SADC. He said it was an EU funded project under the 9th EDF with SADC based at the SADC Secretariat in Botswana. Context: The Regional Integrated Strategic Development Plan(RISDP) of SADC:- Identifies integration as the strategy through which member countries can attain economic development. Sets out regional objectives to present project proposals for funding in the field of livestock development. In the discussions arising from the presentation, the question asked. 1 Dr. Mataa:- requested for the format of project

proposals to be given and explained. 2 Dr. Nyeleti, wanted to know the areas which

PRINT supports. 3 Dr. Baipoledi wanted to know more

information on PRINT and if at all it has a website on Internet.

Dr. Madzima responded and said the project proposal format will be given to all interested in the SADC laboratories (He called it “concept form”). However he said he is still modifying the concept form since the earlier one did not have a deadline of submission. He said the proposals being expected should be those that look at studies to promote trade, marking etc within SADC member countries. He said upon receiving the project proposals they will be presented to the LTC and later organisations/laboratories like CIRRAD can be called to come in as consultants. Dr. Madzima said PRINT is currently working on its website and when they are through it will be accessed by all SADC laboratories. He said PRINT have accessed information system

being used by Zambia ie. Damasyl; Namibia ie. TAD information etc. He said PRINT will choose the best one of the information systems that will be adopted by all as a way of harmonisation of data in the SADC veterinary laboratories. Dr. Mulumba said the issue of harmonising data basis in SADC has been talked about at various forms including at the LTC meetings. He said the need to have a harmonised system is important. veterinary laboratories. Dr. Pascal Bonnet said the system adopted should also be reliable and should have back ups. Dr. Madzima ended his talk by saying that the data management system that will be adopted shall comply with the OIE recommendation.

SADC Veterinary Laboratory Network (Consultancy- Dr. P.G. Sinyangwe) Dr. Sinyangwe said from 28th March to 28th April, 2006 they have gone to most SADC Veterinary Laboratories to find out on the progress made by these laboratories as regards quality management and management as regards TAD’S. He said the consultancy involved EU – PRINT –SADC and the consultants were himself, Danielle Babrie and Francois Thioucourt. The terms of reference were outlined by Dr. Sinyangwe as follows:- Identification of diagnostic capabilities in FMD, CBPP, ASF, ND, Rabies and AI. Quality Assurance Systems in member countries – How far they have gone and the way forward. Intensity of net working and development of harmonised SOP’S accessed. Assessment of Diagnostic capacity as regards equipment and personnel. Assessment of inventory of available tests in use in visited labs. Major limiting factor identification in operations of diagnostic laboratories visited. Training needs identification. He said a questionnaire was circulated before hand to the laboratories for quality management appraisal. Dr. Sinyangwe said the questionnaire was developed based on ISO 17025. He said the questionnaire consisted of 68 questions on quality management and quality technical matters, 65 questions on diseases (TADs) and other specific questions on quality rapid assessments. He said the consultancy visited Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Dr. Sinyangwe ended his talk by defining quality assurance, laboratory accreditation and said quality was a continuous process ie. act – plan – do check.. He called upon Francois Thioncourt.

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT (By Francois Thioncourt) Mozambique ; Maintenance weaknesses identified • Quality Manager with many other duties. • Maintenance of critical equipment – difficult • Need for administration reorganisation • Limited number of samples. Recommendations:- • Need for a technician to be trained in quality

to assist the Quality Manager. • Establish a list of critical equipment and draw

up a calibration plan. • Establish a general PCR laboratory to improve

other diagnostic tests not only to Avian Influenza.

Training needs:- • Documentation and recording. • Mycoplasma isolation and identification. • Maintenance and calibration Equipment purchase needs:- • Elisa reader and software • Calibration standards. Zimbabwe:- As above mainly for weaknesses; recommendations:- Training needs:- • Calibration • CBPP isolation and identification. • MSc training. Equipment: • Computer and software • Autoclave • Certified problems Regents: Antigen for FMD Elisa.

Zambia:- Weaknesses: • Location of the laboratories is inadequate for

quality management.

• Communication, maintenance of premises. • Lack of experienced personnel • Insufficient flow of specimen. Recommendations: • Improve premises and access road or relocate

some activities to another place. • Establish a list of all documents and records at

the Institute. • Define short term quality objects and monitor

their fulfilment. • Establish a list of all equipment. • Establish bench working sheets. • Write 4 SOP’S and validate them. Training needs:- • Training in quality control for management

and staff. • CBPP isolation and Identification. • Virology training in ND and Rabies diagnosis. • Upgrade university degrees for Heads of

sections to MSc. Botswana:- Weaknesses: • High workloads leading to demotivation of

Personnel. Recommendations:- • Simplification of procedures to allow easier

work. Purchase of equipment:- • Elisa reader and software • Digital camera for PCR result recording • Automated temperature probes and software Training needs:- • Mycoplasma isolation and identification • Calibration of equipment. General recommendations for Quality Management:- • Define a general SADC SOP standard layout

(Logo’ for SADC, country laboratory needed).

• List of laboratory documents and records for Quality management.

• Calibration exercise (Ref probes with certificates).

• Common approach for maintenance of critical equipment eg. Freezers, freeze-drier, autoclaves – bids for diagnostic, bids for installation and repair.

• Yearly follow –ups of quality management appraised with the questionnaire.

General Recommendations:- A. Net working: Create a lab website (list of addresses, disease mapping, disease reporting, SOP outlines etc.) Organise round robins. (establish SADC internals reference materials, planification of disease exercise among participating laboratories). Organise SADC internal exchanges (list of offers, list of demands). Exchange of reference and general documents. (through website, quality management, technical formulas). Training needs:- * (Quality Management – one session CBPP isolation and identification of Mycoplasmas. • Molecular diagnostic techniques (looking at

the PCR). • MSc for young graduates. (sandwich programs with local universities, multilateral programs -–topics in infectious disease diagnostic and surveillance). Calibration of critical equipment. Diagnostic capabilities:- • Establish concept notes for multilateral

projects.

Discussion and Comments:- Dr. Baipoledi wanted more clarification by PRINT on training needs and how harmonisation of tests in the SADC laboratories could be enhanced. Dr. Madzima said harmonisation of tests for major diseases like Rabies takes time because it takes time for the results to be generated and feedback to the lab. Francious Thiucourt said it also depends on the test used and taking into consideration of the contract entered into between the laboratory and the client. On training needs Dr. Madzima said that the fields most encouraged for project proposals are those related to marketing and capacity building in the SADC region. Further, on test harmonisation Dr. Thioucourt said there are a lot of kits by different manufactures. Testers should use the testing method most reliable to give an answer most accurate as possible. The tests have to confirm to the final goal. Further the person doing the testing should be competent enough to handle the test from start to end. The above details should be well defined in the SOP. Dr. Msami on declining number of samples being submitted to the laboratory particularly in Mozambique as the consultancy report highlighted said private practitioners have mushroomed and they capture most clients. Further, the cost recovery process also affects the number of submissions. He said to compound it all the budget allocations are not enough in laboratories resulting in very few field visits being made by scientists. Dr. Baipoledi said it was a challenge with other service providers and government sponsored laboratories should also stand to it. He said communication of results to clients takes time in most Laboratories and the client have lost faith in Government labs.

Lastly, Dr. Baipoledi said in government labs, morale is low with staff. The SADC labs are thus calling appropriate software that would ease work leading to a cut down in the work load. The aspect of importation of reagents that take a long time to arrive also has contributed to a low turn out of samples received. Dr. Mulumba congratulated the consultancy team for zeroing in on their work. He said a report was generated in the Eastern part of Zambia (trends of sample flow) and recommendation and observations made and he hopes that SADC labs could take time to read this report and maybe adopt the same strategies also. Dr. Mulumba said, the document can be got on request from him. Dr. Kabilika thanked the consultancy and said SADC labs looks forward to implementing some of the recommendations. He said the SADC laboratories would also consider seriously what has been recommended as regards to internal audits and collaboration among laboratories. Dr. Makaya thanked the consultancy for a good job well done and said the laboratories will make use of the questionnaire to evaluate themselves. The meeting ended at 18.05 hours after a closing speech by the Director of Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development, Dr. Mangani. Resolutions:- At the end of the meeting the following resolutions were passed:- Harmonisation of lab testing: Having realised that the recommendation for the year 2005 were not implemented. The committee resolved that:- • Networking and communication between labs

should be strengthened. • Laboratories submitting samples for

comparison testing should be responsible only for the costs of transporting the samples to their testing laboratories.

All member state

Diagnostic capacity building:- • The committee resolved that the labs should

continue building capacity especially for TADS and emerging diseases.

• In view of the importance of Rabies, countries should make an effort to ensure the availability of a 24 hour diagnostic service for Rabies by decentralising capacity to overcome problems of transportation of samples.

• There is need to assess capacities in SADC labs to utilise biotechnology principles in Veterinary diagnostic and research, animal production and vaccine development. Recommendations on way forward in the use of biotechnology to minimise reliance on overseas markets for reagents, vaccines and other biological should be proposed. The establishment of SADC biotechnology centre was suggested as one of the problems long term plans.

Strengthening Laboratory Based Disease Surveillance System:- • Having realised that the joint workshop

between the SADC vet diagnostic and Epidemiology subcommittees failed to take place under the auspices of FAO.SAFR (Harare, Zimbabwe) in October, 2005. The committee resolves that the above be followed up urgently.

Quality Assurance:- • The subcommittee endorses the

recommendations on the implementation of quality management systems made by PRINT consultancy.

• Taking into account the quality management weaknesses as identified by the PRINT consultancy, the subcommittee recommends the financing of training in quality management, calibration, repair and maintenance of critical equipment by PRINT

Dr. Kabilika by June, 2006 Dr. Makaya

livestock project. • In order to evaluate progress on the

implementation of quality management systems in SADC lab. The subcommittee recommends the use of questionnaire circulated by the PRINT consultancy.

Recommendations on Avian Influenza (AI):- • In order to ensure rapid identification of Avian

Influenza, all countries in the region must have a basic screening test for AI samples suspected to be positive should be submitted to labs with the capacity to perform definitive diagnosis and typing.

• Need for strong collaboration between medical and vet labs supported by inter-laboratory and proficiency testing.

• Training in disease recognition and lab diagnosis. This should be implemented at three levels thus head of labs, scientists and technicians.

• Research into the role of other species of animals (pigs, cats, tigers etc) in the transmission of AI and identification of serotypes.

Addendum I: (Opening Speech given by the Permanent secretary Southern Province of Zambia, Mr. Darius Hakayobe). - Members of the SADC diagnostic sub- committee - Director of Veterinary and Livestock Development – Zambia. - The Provincial Veterinary Officer. - Invited Guests. - Ladies and Gentlemen Chairperson, I would like first and foremost to extend a warm welcome to Zambia and indeed to Livingstone in particular to all invited guests and delegates to this meeting. It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the Zambian Government to officiate at this very important meeting. On behalf of the Zambian Government, I would like to affirm our commitment to supporting the livestock industries in Zambia and the region. I would like to share with you few facts about the Zambian livestock industry. Although the livestock industry is down played, it is true that it contributes between 35% of the Gross Agricultural Domestic Product. This is usually calculated on meat and milk. The contributions of other facts like draught power, hooves, feathers from livestock are usually not included. It is actually estimated that the actual GDP of livestock to Agriculture is around 50%. This is true for most of African Countries. Over 50% of the rural population are engaged in Agriculture and depend on livestock for production and draught power. Livestock is therefore at the centre of Agriculture in rural Africa . It is a source of income when crops fail. In recent years livestock is being viewed as one of the areas which can have a telling effect on poverty reduction in most of the African

Countries. To reemphasis the importance of agriculture in Africa and the desire that it becomes the engine of poverty reduction, it was resolved at the AU General meeting for African Ministers responsible for Animal resource in Kigali Rwanda 2005 that, 10% of members countries’ National budgets should be allocated to Agriculture and out of this 30% should go towards livestock development. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen, the full potential of the livestock industry need to be reached, however, it cannot be achieved because of various problems which the industry is facing. Among these , one of the most important perhaps is the livestock diseases. Livestock diseases in the region included Foot and Mouth disease, New Castle Disease, African Horse Sickness, African Swine Fever, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Rabies etc. Some of these diseases are zoonotic in nature , they affect Man as well. They are also transboundary in nature, in that they know no boundary. Because of constant outbreaks of some of these diseases the development of livestock and trade in livestock products within the region and outside the region has been affected. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen , for the livestock industry to realise its full potential, we need to address the problems the industry is currently facing. The control of livestock diseases to reduce their occurrence is therefore your major responsibility. The early detection of livestock diseases is key to successful disease control and reduction on losses that are caused by some of these diseases. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen, this role is directly under your sub-committee and cannot be overemphasised. Further Mr. Chairperson, Africa in general and the region in particular is at risk of

new emerging diseases. The occurrence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is now in many countries including some in Africa. This poses a threat to this region and a challenge to you scientists. We need to be prepared for the possible occurrence this disease in the region. For the prevention and control of HPAI, early detection is paramount and once again this is where your expertise as laboratories is called upon. The Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen I am told that as far back as 2001 you started the process of harmonisation the laboratory techniques in the region through the implementation of Quality Control and Assurance system in the SADC Veterinary Laboratories and capacity building. I trust and believe that since then up to date you have made tremendous progress in this area. Dear delegates, the implementation of ISO standards, in your case ISO 17025 creates good laboratory practices and harmonisation of laboratory techniques in turn creates consumer confidence among beneficiaries of your products and increase in demand for laboratory services. It enhances trade in livestock and livestock products among nations. Dear delegates, I hope and trust that your experience and knowledge will ensure an in depth discussion about the best way to make the laboratories in SADC a key partner in Epidemiological disease surveillance and disease control and also make the laboratory a key partner in facilitating trade. Ladies and Gentlemen, you and I know that without the involvement of the laboratories these activities are incomplete. Finally, Dear delegates, I hope you will find time to within your busy schedule to visit one or two tourist attractions in this town, especially the Victoria Falls. This will make you take some

good memories of Zambia and the tourist Capital Livingstone back home. With these very few remarks, I declare this meeting officially open. May God Bless You All. Thank you.