CBPP training course, Angola

On the invitation of the Angolan Veterinary Services, Dr. Massimo Scacchia from Istituto G. Caporale held a training course from 11 to 25 November 2012 on the use of abattoirs as an epidemiological tool for the control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). Ten veterinarians and technicians working in slaughterhouses throughout Angola participated in the course, which combined both theoretical and practical aspects. This trainer training course aimed to enable the future independence of the Angolan veterinary services in carrying out this type of activity. The course was co-taught by Dr. Geoffrey Muuka of the Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka, Zambia.

This is the first concrete step towards surveillance of CBPP in abattoirs. The success of the course was affirmed by the director of the Angolan veterinary service, Dr. Antonio José, in a meeting held at the end of Dr. Scacchia's trip. Dr. José affirmed his desire to continue working with Istituto di Caporale to control and eradicate CBPP, which is a major health problem for cattle in Angola.

The course included a visit to the Humpata Regional Veterinary Laboratory on 21 November, a brand-new facility which is both well-equipped and well-staffed. Dr. Scacchia met its Director, Dr. Carlos Antonio Lino, and gave two presentations, one describing CBPP and the other discussing procedures for isolating the mycoplasma that causes it. Dr. Lino expressed his hope that staff be sent for diagnostic training in CBPP and brucellosis at Istituto G. Caporale.

The trip to Angola also provided an opportunity to meet the Governor of Namibe, Isaac Francisco Maria dos Anjos, and the Deputy Governor of Huila, Sergio da Cunha Velho, thanks to Aldo Di Clemente, Project Manager at the Abruzzo-based charity Marco Di Martino, which has been active in Angola for 11 years. Both spoke of their strong desire to work with Istituto G. Caporale through Marco Di Martino.