Italian Delegation in Zambia for Reference Laboratory OIE CBPP

Since 15 November till 1 December 2016, a representation of the IZSAM and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Teramo, Dr. Maximum Scacchia, Andrea Di Provvido, Marruchella Giuseppe and Giovanni Di Teodoro, was at the Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) in Lusaka, Zambia, where a research and training on Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) had been given, as part of a research project financed by the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed). The project valuates the efficacy of a vaccine against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia.

The research activities began in April 2015 at the CVRI, lasting the infected animals thanks to the experience the Istituto developed in this area.

The involved veterinarians from the Istituto and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, during the necropsy activities, provided both support and proficiency, in the description phase, in the quantification of the lesions and sampling activities, as well, for diagnostic tests.

The Ambassador of Italy in Zambia, Filippo Scammacca del Murgo e dell'Agnone, was pleased to welcome the Italian delegation at the meeting, which was attended by members of CVRI and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Zambia. The Ambassador gave deep support to the several research activities of the Istituto, above all in Africa. The meeting at the Italy's embassy in Lusaka – Zambia, opened up further opportunities for cooperation between Italy and Zambia; the next mission will be at CVRI in Lusaka, concerning the same project and it will be a great chance to define and draft the next project activities.