Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Katherine Petersburg
Committee: WHO
Topic: The Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Belgium
Delegate: Kate Petersburg
School: Williamston High School
Since animal viruses make up such a huge portion of human infections it is vital that it is an issue being focused on. Currently, 60% of all human infections stem from animals, and 75% of those “jump” to humans. It is highly estimated that a decent portion of these cases are due to increased exposure and poorly maintained conditions while others could be from consuming animal products that haven’t been prepared properly. Past efforts to manage zoonotic virus outbreaks have resulted in varying results such as the 2003 SARS outbreak being contained in as little as six months while the Ebola outbreak in West Africa ended in 11,000 deaths which took months to even identify the virus involved. Limiting the spread of these zoonotic viruses is crucial to prevent further outbreaks.
Belgium believes that the spread of animal viruses is a major issue that needs to be handled and talked about. Currently, Belgium has many plans and goals regarding this issue such as Monitoring and Surveillance. Belgium plans to keep a close eye on these diseases to be able to detect and control them better. The FASFC for example has many protocols in place to report and contain any possible outbreaks of animal diseases. In addition, Sciensano, or the Belgian Institute for Health, works with the FASFC to collect and analyze data on animal diseases that might have a possible impact on human health. Belgium also has protocols for early detection and rapid response. This involves collaboration between public health and veterinary services to handle these issues swiftly. These collaborations work closely to ensure potential outbreaks are identified and removed before further harm is caused. This includes contact tracing, Quarantine and isolation measures, and Vaccination programs to ensure everyone’s safety. Belgium also enforces biosecurity in places such as farms, wildlife reserves, zoos, and other animal-related facilities. This also involves the safe handling and consumption of meat. There are also public awareness campaigns to inform the population on the risks of animal viruses and how to properly reduce the potential of transmission including how to properly handle animals and maintain proper hygiene. An example of how Belgium has acted to protect the people in the past is the H5N1 Avian Influenza. Belgium put forth strict quarantine measures in affected farms and put restrictions on the birds affected. Belgium takes an active stance on this issue and believes it to be an important matter for all to be concerned about.
Belgium’s plan for the future is to continue the current policies to stop the spread of animal viruses and manage those affected. Although Belgium has many current policies in place, Belgium would be open to expanding and strengthening them. Belgium would also be open to working with other countries to achieve its goals and help stop the spread and dangers that come along with animal viruses. Belgium believes The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France will be good allies to work with in the future.
