AKIPRESS.COM - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development of Uzbekistan, have launched a new project implemented by the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), under USAID's Global Health Security program, UzA reports.

The project aims to support Uzbekistan's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal and public health threats. The inception workshop of the FAO ECTAD project brought together representatives in the agriculture, veterinary, and livestock sectors from the government of Uzbekistan, international organizations, national research institutes, and civil society.

The workshop presented project objectives, endorsed the project's annual work plan, and discussed key activities and priorities concerning the project's implementation.

"Livestock plays an important role in Uzbekistan as a source of income for a significant percentage of the rural population. The health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and ecosystems are closely linked and interdependent. FAO promotes this initiative as part of agrifood system transformation for the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment," Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov said.

Uzbekistan's environment, shaped by its geographic location and climate, will continue to prioritize livestock production. Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses constitute the most economically productive species. These species are used in meat and milk production.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that diseases transmitted between animals and humans can reach any country or region in a relatively short period and spread widely. Implementing a multidisciplinary and multisectoral "One Health" approach at the national, regional, and global levels will lead to efficient disease prevention and control, as most emerging infectious diseases originate in animals.

Animal health and food safety remain key priorities in Uzbekistan. They represent a fundamental pillar in alleviating food insecurity for vulnerable populations and safeguarding human health. The collaborative work in animal health, food safety, public health, zoonoses, and improving livestock value are considered priorities.