Veterinary services for poultry production

The current highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) crisis has brought poultry production to the focus of public attention. Poultry production takes place in two basic systems: the industrial sector and the small-scale production system at village level. The level of involvement of veterinary services differs greatly between the two systems. While private veterinary services are important in the industrial sector, there is only limited provision of veterinary services in small-scale production systems. This has consequences for the success of disease control measures. As HPAI is a zoonotic disease, its control is undoubtedly a public good and ultimate responsibility for this should lie with the official veterinary services. However, as both public and private sectors are contributing to disease control, this paper suggests strengthening national animal health systems and ensuring that all service providers have clearly defined roles and responsibilities under the leadership of the official veterinary services. Evidence gained during Newcastle disease control projects at village level, indicates that a paradigm shift in disease control is needed, promoting strong involvement of communities in policy development. This requires a multidisciplinary approach that enables a better understanding of this specific sector to be obtained. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing pilot projects in different countries to better understand virus spread, value chains, the role of poultry in livelihoods, and the species and breeds kept. Broader knowledge, will allow the impact of control measures in this sector to be assessed, and national HPAI preventive and control policies to be adjusted as needed.