The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is contributing $1.8 million and four veterinary specialists to launch a new crisis management center that will enhance worldwide response to animal disease.
The international center will operate under the auspices of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and be located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Other contributors include France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The Center will begin operations by the end of July and will provide animal disease analysis and information and deploy international resources to prevent and contain dangerous animal diseases. The initial focus will be on H5N1 avian influenza, but will broaden as additional needs are identified in collaboration with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO).
Source:
USDA Press Release, July 14, 2006