Morocco and FAO sign US$ 300,000 Convention for Bovine TB Control

Morocco and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed on Friday a USD 300,000-worth convention to help Morocco set forth a nationwide strategy to control bovine tuberculosis.

The FAO will help the Moroccan government draw and implement a strategy to fight bovine tuberculosis.

An official from the ministry of agriculture, rural development, water and forests stressed at the signing ceremony that the FAO assistance will help assess the epidemiological situation of the disease in the country, improve data analysis technical capacities, reconsider the present bovines identification system and propose means to improve the ability to trace affected animals. It will also help improve the technical capacities of diagnosis, research and veterinary services and promote breeders' awareness on the disease and preventive measures.

The FAO funds will be used to hire an international consultant specialized in bovine tuberculosis surveillance and control and an expert in diagnosis in addition to buying equipment and paying for training fees.

Morocco and FAO have signed this year a total of six conventions worth US$ 1.7 million.