Support for international research on infectious animal diseases

Infectious animal diseases and related issues can cause serious social, economic and environmental damage and in a number of cases threaten human health (zoonoses, anti-microbial resistance). These diseases do not respect borders and can often spread quickly through out the globe. These global threats, the diversity of pathogens and livestock species and the scarce resources available for animal health research make the case for international cooperation on priority diseases and issues, in order to expedite the development of better prevention and control methods, ensure the sustainability of livestock industries and protect human health and the environment. This initiative should consolidate and deepen international research cooperation in the area of infectious animal diseases and related issues such as anti-microbial resistance. It should support the activities of the STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium (Star-IDAZ IRC), aiming to strengthen the global network of research programme owners and funding organisations in order to achieve specific targets relating to the prevention and control of priority infectious animal diseases, including zoonoses, and related issues such as anti-microbial resistance and new emerging threats. The action should (i) facilitate the work of the Executive and Scientific Committee and the working groups, (ii) organise research gap analyses as appropriate, (iii) maintain the necessary tools and other work resources, (iv) disseminate pertinent information and results to stakeholders and users, (v) organise interaction with relevant projects and initiatives, and (vi) organise activities to leverage resources and enlarge the network as appropriate. In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.