Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is organising, in collaboration with the International Association for Biologicals, an International Conference on the Control of Infectious Animal Diseases by Vaccination, to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13–16 April, 2004.

During the past few years we have witnessed the global emergence and re-emergence of several infectious animal diseases that have had a major impact on both animal and human health. Fortunately, as a result of the incorporation of new scientific and technological knowledge, we have methods of prevention of many of these infectious diseases by vaccination. This 'moment', achieved by science, has no precedent in mankind's history and is part of the globalisation process that involves communication and trade around the world.

The OIE, being the main International Reference Organisation with regard to (terrestrial and aquatic) animal health issues, has not remained indifferent to this new situation. Throughout time it has incorporated into its standards the best 'state of the art' scientific knowledge with the purpose of improving veterinary and public health conditions in all countries and protecting international trade in animal and animal products while avoiding unjustified sanitary barriers.

This International Conference will be based on the valuable experience gained in the control and eradication of foot and mouth disease and other significant animal diseases and zoonoses through the use of vaccination, when it is appropriate. The Conference will be an opportunity for the exchange of the latest scientific information at the global level that will, at the same time, assist in the evaluation and improvement of the current standards and guidelines for better control of infectious animal diseases.

The choice of the OIE to organise this Conference in Argentina represents a significant acknowledgement of the ability of the South American countries to face and fight animal health problems that affect their territories and are of world-wide relevance. For this reason, the valuable support of the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Animal (SENASA) of Argentina is strongly acknowledged.

It is expected that all Member Countries will benefit from this International Conference, so I look forward to welcoming you in Buenos Aires.