The General Directorate of Veterinary Services at the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fishing has initiated a new series of training and awareness sessions for private veterinarians. This move, in collaboration with the ASCO project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, aims to bolster the national program for rabies prevention and control. The sessions, which took place from October 6 to 8, 2026, focus on empowering private veterinarians as key partners in the fight against rabies.
The training sessions introduced the "National Guide for Procedures to Combat Animal Rabies," a unified reference guide to coordinate interventions between the public and private sectors according to standard criteria. The guide was presented through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical tests to facilitate experience sharing among participants. This initiative seeks to establish private veterinarians as frontline partners in early detection and reporting of suspected cases, given their close relationship with livestock breeders and pet owners.
The workshops emphasized health regulations and controls for the transportation of pets, especially dogs and cats, across borders to various countries, particularly those in the European Union. The goal is to ensure full compliance with health conditions and international rules, thereby minimizing the risks of transboundary disease spread. These efforts are part of a partnership strategy between the public and private sectors to enhance national preparedness and response to epidemiological risks.
By engaging private veterinarians, the initiative aims to leverage their proximity to animal owners to improve early detection of suspected cases, prompt reporting, and health awareness. This approach is critical in controlling and preventing rabies, a disease that poses significant risks to public health. The collaboration with the FAO's ASCO project underscores the international support for Tunisia's efforts to strengthen its veterinary services and public health infrastructure.
The training sessions covered various aspects of rabies control, including the latest techniques for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Participants also discussed challenges faced in the field and potential solutions to enhance the effectiveness of rabies control measures. The involvement of private veterinarians is seen as a strategic move to expand the reach of rabies control efforts and improve the overall health and well-being of animals and humans.
The General Directorate of Veterinary Services has been actively working to enhance the country's capacity to prevent and control rabies. The launch of these training sessions demonstrates the ongoing commitment to strengthening the partnership between public and private sectors in addressing public health challenges. By investing in the training of private veterinarians, Tunisia aims to make significant strides in its fight against rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
The new training sessions for private veterinarians are a crucial component of Tunisia's strategy to improve its response to health emergencies and enhance public health security. The initiative reflects a broader effort to build a robust and responsive health system that can effectively address emerging and re-emerging diseases. As the country continues to implement measures to combat rabies, the collaboration between public and private sectors will be essential in achieving long-term success.
Key points
- The training sessions aim to empower private veterinarians as key partners in rabies prevention and control.
- The initiative is in collaboration with the ASCO project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
- The sessions focus on early detection, reporting, and health awareness to control and prevent rabies.
