SECID One Health Workshop 24-25th April 2015, Bulgaria

The second in a series of three cross border One Health workshops in the SECID network took place in Bansko, Bulgaria on the 24th and 25th April, 2015.   The workshop was attended by representatives of  Human and Animal health sectors from Bulgaria, Macedonia and Croatia.  In addition to SECID member countries being present, two other CORDS member networks were present to share their experiences. Dr Moe Ko Oo (MBDS) and Dr Silvia Pessah-Eljay (MECID) talked about their networks approaches to tackling Avian Influenza and Brucellosis.  The two day workshop provided a platform for delegates to share the current situation regarding the control of several zoonotic diseases in their respective countries, gaps and challenges.  The workshop was chaired by Dr Angel Kunchev, Chief Health State Inspector of Bulgaria. Feedback from the workshop was positive, with delegates reporting that they found the opportunity to learn from other colleagues about their approaches a very useful experience.  The workshop concluded with recommendations from each working group as to how to improve communication flows, strengthen and continue dialogue between countries. A commitment was made by those present to work together on advocacy initiatives for the improved treatment of Leishmaniasis and to develop contingency plans for Brucellosis.  The final One Health workshop in the series will be held in Croatia in June.