Between in-person and virtual participants, around 60 experts gathered to discuss issues relating to animal genetic resources in Europe. The three working groups – Documentation and Information, Ex situ, and In situ – spent two days in Sassari (Sardinia, Italy) sharing their work, questions and reflections. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest thanks to the University of Sassari for hosting us on its premises, just before the EAAP regional conference took place.
The richness of the discussions stems, among other things, from the sharing of practical experiences and real-life situations, whilst also making room for scientific information, such as on cryopreservation. A recurring theme chosen for the joint session between the three groups is finding ways to take emergency action to protect local breeds in the event of a crisis, whether health-related or otherwise. In particular, within the Documentation and Information group, representatives from Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Lebanon were able to share their experiences of dealing with sheep pox and foot-and-mouth disease. Members of the consortium of the European Union Reference Centre for Endangered Breeds were also present and shared details of their latest work, as well as the links established with the ERFP.
One of the concrete actions planned as a result of these groups’ discussions is the organisation of a webinar this autumn on crisis management, from the farm level to central government.
Thanks also to the EAAP logistics team for their support !
With the participation of 