GFAR PROPOSAL Genetic Resource Management and Biotechnology

Transcription

1 GFAR PROPOSAL Genetic Resource Management and Biotechnology A. SUMMARY Title : A Global initiative to exploit biotechnology and animal genetic resources for the improvement of livestock productivity through control of trypanosomosis Duration : 5 years Objectives : Increase productivity of small holders agricultural systems in developing countries through integrated control of the constraint of trypanosomes for the benefit of both producers and consumers. Activities 1. Undertake strategic research that exploits the most modern tools of biotechnology and genetics for improving livestock and farm productivity in areas where trypanosomosis is a constraint to development. Develop novel vaccines based on the exploitation of mechanisms of disease resistance in livestock/wildlife both anti-disease and anti-parasite Undertake genetic interventions through use of available genetic resources of trypanotolerant animals Develop and apply of affordable, specific and rapid diagnostic tests 2. Develop sustainable decision-support tools for control of trypanosomosis integrating best use of currently available control methods with new methods that also protect the environment. Develop and apply effective policies based on biological information for the most cost-effective use of currently available chemotherapies in order to reduce the emergence of drug-resistant parasites Improve the control of parasites in livestock populations to reduce the deadly and escalating incidence of human African trypanosomosis, while protecting livestock Develop and apply decision support tools based on risk assessment informed by GIS information 3. Capacity building: In line with GFAR objectives NARS capacity building elements are incorporated in each component to ensure the sustainability of the research in the medium- to long-term. Main innovations of the research proposal : - Link the experience and research agendas of scientists and institutions that have historically focused on trypanosomosis as an African problem with the needs, resources and agendas of Asia, and Latin America, where the disease is an increasing problem. - Integrate research on the parasite species of economic importance Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax, T. brucei and T. evansi in the livestock species (cattle, buffalo, goats, horses, camels) of greatest economic importance for each region. - Integrate research products on diagnostics, epidemiology, chemotherapy, immunology, vaccines and exploitation of the genetic resources of disease resistant livestock.

2 - Improve human welfare by bringing the most advanced tools of biotechnology and basic research outputs from advanced research institutes to bear on developing new control options based on both enhancing infected animals ability to remain productive and also eliminate the infection. Region : Asia Pacific, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia & North Africa. Justification : Poverty alleviation and improved food security in the developing world will depend on the sustainable production capacity of small-holder farmers. Livestock are an integral part of these farming systems and thus contribute to the economic viability of households, communities and regions. Trypanosomosis is a major constraint to livestock productivity across the three continents of the developing world. In sub-saharan Africa, the main pathogenic trypanosomes in ruminants are Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax, which are generally transmitted by tsetse flies. They cause an acute or a chronic disease, characterised by anaemia and immunosuppression, resulting in decreased productivity and economic losses that are estimated at $4 billion annually. Cattle are known to serve as reservoir hosts for human-infective trypanosomes. The World Health Organization estimates that 300,000 new cases of human sleeping sickness occur each year. Non-tsetse biting insects may transmit T. vivax to African cattle and T. evansi to camels. In South East Asia and China, T. evansi affects cattle and water buffalo, with a socio-economic impact that has not been fully measured but appears to be of increasing concern. In tropical areas of South America, where biting insects transmit T. vivax and T. evansi to livestock, outbreaks of trypanosomosis are becoming an increasing constraint to livestock productivity, particularly for dairy farming. Relationship between PAAT and GFAR : in recognition of the need to improve the delivery of trypanosomosis control, both in humans and animals, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), proposed the formation of the Programme against African Trypanosomosis (PAAT). The purpose of which is to promote and facilitate integrated and effective control of trypanosomosis within the overall goal of a sustainable increase of income, food security and human welfare in trypanosomosis affected areas of Africa. It was hoped to achieve this by making a significant contribution to priority and strategy definition and thus co-ordinate and focus the investment of resources. The programme was based on the collaboration and participation at all levels, from the farmer to the international community. As the resources available to the PAAT are limited it is anticipated that this proposal to the GFAR will provide the support required to initiate, strengthen and sustain the research activities that have been identified as essential for the more effective delivery of control measures at the farmer, the national and regional levels. Over the last three years PAAT has gained recognition as the international network for African trypanosomosis and, through development and refinement, as a basis for an extended global initiative that may address the accelerating problems caused by these diseases in the developing countries of South America and Asia. The GFAR programme will not only provide the research support required in Africa to support PAAT but will ensure that benefits gained and experiences learned are disseminated globally. B. STAKEHOLDERS Targeted beneficiaries : Small-holders and consumers in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Human population in contact with animal reservoirs. Effective control of trypanosomosis will enhance rural development in general.

3 Livestock at risk : Cattle : 893 million heads Camels : 16 million heads Buffaloes : 147 million heads Small ruminants : 1169 million heads Equine : 74 million heads Partners : Confirmed : Research : CIRAD-EMVT / IRD (Département Elevage et Médecine Vétérinaire du CIRAD / Institut Recherche Développement) ILRI (Int. Livestock Research Institute) CIRDES (Centre Int. de Recherche et Développement sur l Elevage en Zone Subhumide) University of Nsukka (Nigeria) CNERV (Centre Nat. d Elevage et de Rech. Vét., Mauritania) University Simon Bolivar (Venezuela) Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil) CORPOICA (Columbia) India : Universities of Nagar, Anand, Bikaner, Hisar and Ludhiana Fac. Vet. Sci. Of Mymensingh (Bangladesh) NIAH (Nat. Inst. Of Animal Health, Thailand) NIVR (Nat. Inst. Of Veterinary Res., Vietnam) Changchun University (China) Murdoch University (Australia) University of Manchester (UK) ULB (Free University of Bruxelles, Belgium) ITM (Inst. De Médecine Tropicale, Belgium) Others : OIE (Office international des epizooties) PAAT(Programme Against African Tryps), TRYPLINK (Latin American Network), ICPTV (Integrated Control of Pathogenic Trypanosomes and their Vectors) ISCTRC (Int. Sci. Council for Trypanosomes Research and Control), RTTCP (Regional Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Control Prog. For Southern Africa), FITCA (Farming in Tsetse Control Area of Eastern Africa) Proposed partners : FAO ITC (Int. Trypanotolerance Center) NARS: Africa, Latin America, Asia Private sector : SANOFI, Hoechst NGOs: KARI, KETRI, LIRI Farmer s organisation C. EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACT Main expected results :

4 Farming by small holder farmers in developing countries is a more sustainable, economically viable and environmentally friendly activity as the full value of the contribution of healthy livestock is realized. A community of research institutions in developed and developing countries, the private sector, national and international agencies and farmers organizations all committed to eliminating the constraint of trypanosomosis on the developing countries is established. The resources of this community are combined to bring added value and efficiency to the realization of research products for the benefit of mankind. Strategic research will exploit the rapidly expanding body of knowledge from biomedical research to develop solutions that serve the poor, including diagnostic tests, vaccines and improved use of animal genetic resources. Dissemination of the results : National and regional partners Annual workshops Scientific papers Information on PAAT, TRYPLINK Presentation / discussion with farmer s organisations. Proposed impact assessment methodology : Birth rate and death rate in trypanosomosis endemic areas. Voluntary disposal (by sale or slaughter) of surplus stock Age / sex distribution of animals in the herd Number and type of plough animals used and areas cultivated by them Quantity of trypanocides sold Epidemiological surveys in selected high risk areas Global increase of animal production in trypanosomosis endemic areas More productive use of resources in tsetse / trypanosomosis areas. D. PARTNERSHIP Identification of the respective roles of the different stakeholders and co-ordination mechanisms Project design Project implementation Project management Results dissemination Realisation Co-ordination Research Centres Disease and Vector Control Programmes Farmer s organisations Private sector Policymakers Research centres Control Programmes Research leaders in each centre Annual Workshop with all stakeholders

5 Scientific papers PAAT + TRYTPLINK + Expected added-value of the partnership : Enlargement of the traditional Europe-Africa partnership to Asia and Latin America Better complementarity of the different research programmes Improve exchange of information and knowledge Collaborations between research centres and sustainable development projects Strengthening of NARS Research more stakeholders oriented Better involvement of donors and policymakers. E. CONCLUSION In conclusion, there is an obvious need for new tools to relieve the burden of trypanosomosis on farm productivity across three continents. In addition, better application and integration of existing tools is required. The promise of biotechnology, biomedical sciences and genetics in the 21 st century will not be realized until we apply these powerful new tools to provide solutions that redress poverty, hunger and environmental degradation in the developing countries. Control of trypanosomosis can be achieved by applying these new technologies to the development of novel control options (vaccines), expansion of disease resistant populations (genetic enhancement) and next generation diagnostics. These must, however, be combined with currently available options (chemotherapy and vector control) into decision support packages (risk assessment and impact assessment) for best use practices. The proposed forum will create a synergy between groups involved in the various aspects of basic and applied research on trypanosomes and trypanosomosis, towards achievement of this goal. Project sustainability : An analysis of the small holder, of the farming system and the impact of the trypanosomosis on the farming system will lead to distinct decision support packages. Research should focus on the development of new options or the improvement of existing ones by taking full account of the objectives, capacities and capabilities of the farmers, policy, socio-economic impact, the role of government services and NGOs. Continuation of partnerships between researchers and other agencies will be fostered through the habit of exchanging information, knowledge etc, taking advantage where possible of use of .