Improving consumer Protection Against Zoonotic diseases Phase II EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL

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1 ANNEX 1 REPORT ON THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON THE REFORM OF THE ALBANIAN STATE VETERINARY SERVICE 4 to 7 March 2014 Mission number 01 of the PAZA II Project Team 1. Introduction In a meeting of senior veterinary stakeholders at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration (MARDWA) held on 28 January 2014, the Deputy Minister stated the urgent need for the reformation and restructuring of the State Service (SVS). As a result of that meeting, the PAZA II Team Leader was requested to develop a platform to support such a process (Annex 1). On 10 and 24 February 2014, the Chief Officer (CVO) convened meetings at MARDWA at which the Advisory Group began the structured analysis of Albania s veterinary profession and state veterinary service. The PAZA II Project moderated the discussions. Each meeting lasted for 3 hours as a result of which the participants unanimously agreed that it would be necessary for the group to meet during a 4-day retreat to consider the subject in detail and at length. 2. Aim The PAZA II Project aimed to support and moderate discussions of the Advisory Group appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration (MARDWA) on the reform of the Albanian Service, and produce a proposal to provide strategic orientation for the reform of the Albanian State Service. 3. Inputs A total of up to 25 members of the veterinary advisory group were expected to participate in the retreat, which was convened at a hotel in Durres. The meeting followed a participatory, moderated style and used group work and plenary sessions, when there was feedback in the form of structured reports. During plenary sessions, the moderator assisted the clarification of proposals and options for the restructuring of Albania s veterinary services. Issues that the group could not resolve were identified and a critical path was defined to outline the decisionmaking process that the group recommends. 4. Expected outputs The main outputs of the meeting were expected to include (a) proposals for national policies and strategies to support the delivery of a state veterinary service in line with Albania s agricultural, trade and public health requirements; (b) options for the restructuring of the SVS to ensure improved, sustained service delivery; (c) prioritization of the activities of the SVS to ensure compliance with the requirements of the OIE and the EU s acquis communautaire. In the course of the group s work, and in line with the action learning approach that it used, it was expected that other outputs would be identified and delivered. 1

2 5. Itinerary 4 March 12:45h Depart Tirana 13:50h Arrive Grand Pameba Hotel, Golem 14:20h Consultative meeting 18:30h Close of the day s proceedings 5 March 06:15h Depart Golem 07:05h Arrive Tirana market 09:40h Arrive Golem 10:30h Consultative meeting 18:30h Close of the day s proceedings 6 March 08:30h Consultative meeting 18:50h Address by Deputy Minister 19:10h Close of the day s proceedings 7 March 08:30h Consultative meeting 16:00h Depart Golem 17:00h Arrive Tirana 6. Programme of the meeting All elements of the programme for the meeting (Annex 2) were addressed although, to suit the dynamics of the group s discussion, the sequence in which some topics were discussed was changed. 7. Persons present List of participants (attached as Annex 3). A total of 30 people participated in the meeting during the four days. A core group remained for the full duration of the meeting, including the Chief Officer (CVO); others attended various sessions according to their other commitments. 8. Topics discussed In comparison with the VAG s two rather rushed planning sessions that were held in the Ministry in February, the residential workshop permitted participants to develop their thinking in a more structured manner. Although the timeframe was necessarily compressed the adoption of a flexible approach and use of parallel, simultaneous group work (where small groups considered specific topics) accelerated the process (Plates 4-10). How many veterinarians does Albania need? a) The number of the animals heads (cattle units) b) Veterinarians provide services in areas categorized as mountainous, hilly, and flatland c) The farms number and size influence the requirement for veterinary services and their affordability. d) Number of the producing enterprises, processors/ abattoirs e) The number of animal markets f) The national programmes of prophylaxis and animal identification (I&R) g) The requirements of the EU legislation h) Number of BIPs and trading levels i) Number of the veterinary subjects offering the services 2

3 j) Administrative structure k) Number of markets and purchasing points of livestock products (wholesales, retail) l) Number of veterinarians working in labs m) The artificial insemination and reproductive centres n) vocational education /middle schools/university Participants recognized that in order to answer the question How many veterinarians does Albania need? there should first be a clear definition of the functions, roles and responsibilities of the state veterinary service. The participants produced the following definitions: Definition of a Veterinarian A veterinarian is a person graduated in veterinary medicine, capable of carrying out veterinary activities, in either public or private interest. This person should be registered or licensed, and regulated by the relevant statutory structure, e.g., the Order. Key functions of a veterinarian Protection of animal health and welfare Public health (Food safety) Protection of the environment and biodiversity; to guard against bio-terrorism Support the application of emergency measures to avoid or mitigate disease outbreaks Stakeholder analysis The State Service works with a wide range of stakeholders from a wide variety of disciplines and interests (Fig. 1). Figure 1: Scheme of main stakeholder groups related to the state veterinary service. 3

4 Training of veterinarians 1. The university curriculum leads to the degrees and diplomas in veterinary medicine; professional master s degree (MSc in clinical and laboratory science); and, PhD. 2. No continuing education programmes or training events have been established. Continuing professional development is a requirement of the Faculty of Medicine (FVM), the Ministry ARDWA, and should be regulated by the Order. 3. Other actors have a role in the provision of training for veterinarians, including ISUV, MARDWA, and projects. 4. Veterinarians are needed to work in the public sector in various institutions, including MARDWA, ISUV, regional laboratories, agricultural directorates, FVM, Ministry of Health, national Food Authority, Local government. The private sector also has requirements for veterinary expertise. Value chain for products of animal origin The impact of veterinarians in the value chains of food products of animal origin was discussed at length. 4

5 The veterinary profession Fig. 3: Scope of the veterinary profession in Albania Regulation? Pharmaceutical companies Faculty of Medicine State Service Military & Police Food industry Teaching & Training institutions National Food Authority NFA/AKU Non Governmental Organizations Commercial livestock farms Municipal Services Food Safety & Institute ISUV Projects undergraduates Laboratory technologists Zootechnicians Clinics (Urban-based) Private Practitioners Laboratories Pharmacies Vet graduates not employed as vets Career path? Unemployed Vet graduates Roles and responsibilities of the State Service A. Services The services provided by the SVS include: 1. Protect the animal health and welfare 2. Protect the public health from zoonoses. 3. Protect the reproductive health 4. Protect the wild life (terrestrial and water wild life) 5. Protect the environment 6. Implement the legislation 7. Quarantine B. Clients of veterinary services 1. Livestock units (farms, animal markets, abattoirs (slaughterhouses), zoo parks, fauna, exhibitions, animal transportation) 2. Processors of the livestock raw products 3. The traders of products of animal origin (POAO) 4. Wastes processing centres. 5

6 C. The services include: 1. State service Prophylactic programmes The national programmes of diseases and residue monitoring measures for the diseases control Compensation I&R system Laboratory diagnostic VPM system Molluscs control Animal and products certification Movement Control 2. Private service Clinical services Diagnostic service (Animal clinics, Laboratories) Animal medical treatment Prescription of the veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) Application prophylactic measures implementation Report to the Competent Authority (CA) VMP trading and using Implementation of the delegated actions (CA) Activities in the producing centres Completion of the official veterinary documentation Critical competencies of a State Service The OIE lists the following critical competencies of a state veterinary service (OIE PVS report, 2008): Human resources Skills Diagnostics Risk Analyses Quarantine, BIPs Epidemiological surveillance passive, active Early warning/discover/response Diseases preventive, control, eradication public health Zoonoses medicaments, Biological medicaments, pharmaceutical wastes Emergency issues (antibiotic resistant) Technical Innovation Communication with stakeholders Consultancy with stakeholders Official representative Accreditation, Authorization statutory body (Order) Liaison of the programmes with producers Preparation of the Legislation and regulations Monitoring of the compliance among the stakeholders International harmonization International Certification Sanitary agreement Traceability / Transparency Zoning / Compartments 6

7 Disease reporting and surveillance The following factors were identified as being crucial for effective surveillance of animal diseases. Group I The farmers recognize the disease The farmers report the disease Active surveillance Training & organization for PVPs Monetary motivation for PVPs Increase the collaboration among the actors within SVS Increased budget, self-administration, trainings Lack of information /leaflets, brochure/ opening schools Through subsidies schemes Group II Laboratory diagnostic Risk analyses Quarantine and BIPs Diseases preventive, control, eradication Monitoring of control impact Communication of results to stakeholders Assessment of the situation Simulation of the PVPs for sampling Extending of the range of samples Building up a appropriate quarantine centre Compilation of a national programme for surveillance Improvement and writing new diseases strategies Improvement of diseases monitoring Collaboration among veterinary associations, businesses Administrative penalties for PVPs Administrative penalties for lack of diagnostics Support the initiatives for opening of private laboratories Approval of a national plan for surveillance Increase the communication quality among the veterinary structures 7

8 Information flow Several attempts were made to describe information flow between the various stakeholders and key institutions. However, there was no consensus and no clear picture emerged, largely because of the fragmented responsibilities and lack of service level agreements that are aligned to unequivocally defined roles. Plate 1: Describe information flow related to disease surveillance Plate 2: Information flow participants did not reach a consensus The participants unanimously recognized the need for high level policy directives to be given to unify, harmonize and streamline information flow. Such a directive would necessarily involve more than one Ministry since more than one is involved in the delivery of public veterinary services. 8

9 Public goods and private goods Public goods Integration in EU Public health Food Safety Social welfare Group 1 Group 2 Environment protection and bio terrorism The animal health and welfare Increased employment Increased production Increased incomes of the people Opened exports for livestock production Improved information and communication Increased reliability toward the foreign investors High level of competitiveness of local production in local and international market Increased motivation for veterinarian profession Private goods Improved medical treatment in animals Qualitative examination and tests in animals Better animal health and increased productivity Better farmers protection from zoonoses Fast diseases discovering and reporting Registered farmers and identified animals Environment guaranteed protection Practical implementation of the state program of veterinary prophylaxis Support to the farmers obtaining subsidies Increased awareness of the farmers toward animal health and food safety Facilitate the marketing of the livestock products Public goods EU integration Public health Food safety Increased employment Increased incomes Better information and communication Competitive local production Social welfare Environment protection Animal health and welfare Increased production Increased livestock exports Reliability to investors Increased interest for the veterinarian profession Private goods Examination and test to animals Protection of the farmers from zoonosis Diseases discovering and reporting Protected environment Financially supported farmers Facilitate the marketing of the livestock products The medical treatment in animals Increased healthiness and production Implemented state veterinary programs Registered farms and identified animals Increased awareness of the farmers toward animal health and food safety 9

10 Keypoints arising from the visit to Tirana live animal market ANIMAL MOVEMENT CONTROL AND TRACEBILITY o Absence of a veterinarian o Animals without ear tags (evidence of the incomplete national I&R programme) o Animals without movement certificates o Regional veterinary service inactive o Uncooperative traders o Animal transport vehicles were unsuitable and not compliant with EU standards o Market place unfenced, no controls on entry and exit gates o Lack of recording, data collection - no connection to RUDA system and databases o Lack of collaboration among actors CLINICAL PROBLEMS & OTHER OBSERVATIONS o There were no veterinary and clinical controls o Lack of the veterinary documentation o The veterinarian identified some clinical signs in the animals (Mastitis, hoof deformation in a dairy cow o Animal and poultry (cachectic) o Stressed animals from transport (tiredness, signs) o Abusive market/not approved o Unlicensed transport vehicles - the density (animals loaded/m 2 ) not respected) o Lack of legislation for transport of the animals o No vehicle cleaning facilities: parked vehicles had poor hygiene and could not be washed o Animal treatment, not normal o Lack of animal identification o Approved market without veterinary service, environmental permit, infrastructure o Low education of the animal keepers Lack of control in slaughterhouses and markets o Lack of import documentation o Animal movement is uncontrolled o Animal welfare issues were evident o Impossibility of the control (order no. 125) o Unidentified slaughterhouses and animals o Farms with unidentified animals o Appearance of various diseases, e.g., mastitis The identification system of farms and animals o Unsafe food o Irresponsibility of the farmers toward animals identification o Insufficiency of the veterinary staff o Constrained slaughters o Large number of small size farms 10

11 Problem analysis of the veterinary profession 1. Farmer; Awareness, Qualification, Reporting 2. Private Veterinarians PVP o professional licensing o professional and legal qualification o lack of the incentive mechanism for service offers o lack of logistics o No records and documentation o No correct reporting for the problems and cases o No penalty implementation 3. Official Veterinarians o High load of work (wide range geographically coverage) o Lack of the infrastructure/logistics o Qualification o Lack of Vehicles, per diem, allowances o Insufficient professional and legal qualification o The way of the payment in labs is not solved OVs use to bring the specimens Group I Weak flow of information The lack of the diseases reporting Lack of lab diagnostics Lack of the control of markets and slaughterhouses No quarantine Weak documentation Legislation is not understandable Weak veterinary structures Fragmented veterinary service Unappreciated veterinary profession Lack of the Order Low academic standards Lack of the continuing education Weak logistics Lack of the sufficient staff Insufficient budget for SVS Group 2 Unclear role of NFA and SVS Unclear legislation Legislation is not harmonized Weak veterinary structure Lack of the capacities for strategically planning Lack of the policies and clear objectives Lack of data for planning Lack of the capability for planning Not functional veterinary surveillance Weak works of veterinary laboratories The laboratory system is fragmented The lack of the national strategy for veterinary laboratories Low social status of veterinary profession Weak perspective of carrier for veterinarians Lack of Order Low training standards Unsuitable curriculum Low opportunities for trainings PVPs are not organized PARTICIPANTS IDENTIFIED THE CORE PROBLEM, NAMELY THAT: THE VETERINARY SERVICE IS NOT EFFECTIVE 11

12 Partial SWOT analysis of the ShVSh Opportunities New approaches Aspiration to be a part of EU Private business more interested Increased demand for export New knowledge and experiences Link with international organizations (OIE, FVO, etc.) Successful models exist inside Albania and outside the country Accreditation of the institutions Compiling of the Order Program for SVS and better financing opportunities Civil society more active Regional and cross border programmes (e.g., Rabies, etc.) Political advantages, harmonized legislation Creation of an effective SVS Positive impact in improvement of the animal and humans health Simplifying of the structure Improvement of the communication Improvement of the surveillance Improvement of the health control Direct chain of command Threats Political instability Economic instability Lack of the human resources Quality of the agriculture Insufficient budget Financial structures not interested to support the SVS The importance of the veterinary service is not well understood Territorial administrative reforms Feudal mentality Loss of power Delay to creation of the new legislation The veterinary service remain ineffective Economically unaffordable (high costs) Resistance to change Weak communication Lack of the capabilities for process management 12

13 The roles of the veterinarians 1. The role for the protection of the animal health 1.1 Implementation of the prophylaxes 1.2 Implementation of the traceability 1.3 Providing the conditions for better husbandry and hygiene 2. The role for protection and animal welfare 2.1 During the transportation 2.2 In markets 2.3 In exhibition and fairs 2.4 The welfare of the decorative and domestic animals 2.5 Care for the abandoned animals 2.6 Welfare and cares for work animals 3. The protection of the environment. 4. The protection of the public health 5. The compilation of the legislation, development strategies and programs 6. The guarantee of the food safety 7. The implementation of the legislation 8. Inspection, informative role, and monitoring 9. Coordinative and regulating role 10. Diagnosing, clinical and laboratory role 13

14 Fig. 4: Preliminary problem analysis related to the State Service of Albania Consequences Albania s State Service is ineffective Ineffective communication between institutions Low levels of reporting of animal diseases laboratory diagnostics are inadequate Structure of the SVS is weak Insufficient operational budget & weak budget management Lack of livestock movement control and traceability profession is weak Legislative framework is inadequate Vets not used to documentation Difficult for vets to access farms Vets lack diagnostic skills Farmers do not demand vet services Farmers do not recognize animal diseases Marginal economic viability of smallholdings Vets lack budget for field mobility No national strategy for labs Lab information management not unified Inadequate budget Extremely low throughput of specimens Lack of performance indicators and supervision Vets do not routinely use lab diagnostics Fragmented veterinary service: SVS, NFA & Municipalities Lack of capacity for strategic planning Lack of procedures for centralized reporting and cost analysis No veterinary controls at livestock markets Lack of staff supervision & performance indicators Animal I&R under-funded and incomplete Lack of collaboration between vets & police Low social status of vets Poor career prospects Profession not regulated Low standards of training Inappropriate curricula Few training opportunities Private vets not organized Too few staff in veterinary directorate Staff in the directorate do not speak English Low priority given to harmonization 14

15 Benefits of an effective State Service 1. Protection of the animal health and welfare 1.1 Improvement of the legislation 1.2 Develop appropriate policies and strategies 1.3 Implement the policies and strategies 1.4 Increase professional and technical competence 1.5 Increase the awareness of the stakeholders 1.6 Support private business 1.7 Maintain and use information system of I&R and traceability 2. public health 2.1 Concept of One health 2.2 Control of zoonoses 2.3 Control of products of animal origin The residue s plan of the live animals The residue s plan of the products 2.4 Be informed and communicative (media) 3. Environment protection 3.1 Bio security protection 3.2 The management of organic and medical wastes 3.3 Public awareness Structure and function of the veterinary service Participants unanimously agreed that in order for Albania s veterinary service to fulfil its functions effectively, it would be absolutely necessary to address the major factors that contribute to its present ineffectiveness. The definition of critical competences and functions (see above) determine to a large extent the structure that could be established. Prof Malaj presented various models that have been adopted in countries in the Balkan region as well as models applied in other regions. Participants then worked in two main groups and discussed options for the restructuring of the State Service, at the heart of which was unification, simplification and reduction of duplication. Options for the structure of the State Service The participants produced two options for a restructured veterinary service: Option A and Option B. 15

16 Fig. 5: Option A a model for a restructured state veterinary service Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration Administrative Support Department Directorate (CVO) International Relations Department Public Health & Residues Monitoring Medicinal Products Animal Health & Welfare; Animal I&R and Epidemiology Aquatic animal health and production Legislation & Permits Regional Offices (12) Local Government Office District Offices (36) Private Practitioners (550) This option, or model, was seen to represent a significant improvement since it created a direct chain of command from the CVO to the official veterinarians in the field. It also provides a central structure to fulfil the critical competences of a state veterinary service as defined by the OIE. However, the model does not address the linkage of the CVO s office to the local government veterinarians who are currently employed through the Ministry of the Interior. Neither does it address the linkage with the National Food Authority. 16

17 Fig. 6: Option B a model for a restructured, integrated veterinary service. Keshilli I Ministrave Drejtoria e Autoritetit Kombetari Veterinarise dhe Ushqimit Sekretare/keshilltare Zv. Drejtor, Autoriteti kombetar I veterinarise Zv. Drejtor, Autoriteti kombetar I Ushqimit Drejtoria e politikave, legjislacionit dhe mardhenieve nderkombetare Dept. Imbeshtetjes administrative Dept. I Shendetit Mireqenies se Kafsheve Dept. I Shendetit public veterinar dhe siguria ushqimore Dept. Fitosanitetit ISUV BIPs Financa Dr. Shendetit kafsheve Dr.Mireqenies kafsheve Dr. produ Origj.shtazore Dr.prod. origjine jo shtazore Dr. e vleresimit te riskut Lab. Rajonale Mireqenia Vet. Fitosanitar Auditi Zyra Juridike Personeli I&R, Tregje Epidemiologjia A.B.P.Mbrojtja mjedisit Mireqenia ne ferme Thertore, transport Kafshe shoqeruese, te egra Higjena, mishi, thertore,n/produ kte Higjena, qumshti, n/produkte Higjena peshk, prod deti Higjena, ushqime kafshesh. Ushqime jo shtazore Mbetjet Mbikqyrja e tregjeve Njoftimi shpejte RASFF Vleresim I riskut zoonozat, prod shtazore, prod. Jo shtazore Kontroll I semundjeve, zoonoza Licensimi PMV Higjena, veze, mjalte 17

18 Fig. 7: A modified proposal for an integrated food safety and veterinary authority. Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration Board General Director of Food Safety and Authority Director of Audit, Quality Control & Support Services Director of the State Service Head of Border Inspection Director of the National Food Authority Director of Food Policy, Legislation and International Trade Relations Audit and Investigations Contract Management Laboratory Services Communication and Public Awareness Human Resource Development Administration and Finance IT Support Department of Animal Health & Welfare Animal Identification, Registration Disease control programmes Livestock markets & transport Medicinal Products Department of Public Health Disease surveillance & Biosecurity Bee health & Aquatic animal health Wildlife & Exotic Animal Health Animal breeding and welfare Epidemiology & Economics Quarantine & Emergency Preparedness Import & Export Licensing Food & Feed Inspection Inspection Phytosanitary Inspection Department of Food Safety Risk management planning Residues testing Feed and Fertilizer Control Product Safety Department of Inspection Food Hygiene Meat hygiene Plant health Seed certification By-products & Waste Management Director of Risk Assessment & Registration of Food businesses Director of Enforcement & Legal affairs TEAMS (Cross cutting issues) Strategic planning Contingency planning Monitoring & Evaluation Skills development 18

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20 9. Evaluation of the meeting Immediately before the closing session, participants were asked to evaluate the meeting, based on eight criteria. The score range was 1 to 5: 1 being lowest (very poor), 5 being high (very good). The overall opinion was that the meeting was judged to have been good. Plate 3: The results of an evaluation of the meeting 10. Conclusion The value of convening additional residential meetings, when a core group could retreat to a hotel overnight to enable groups to extend their working time, hold detailed, focused discussions and create new knowledge and understanding, and harmonize views and opinions was unanimously recognized by the participants. 20

21 11. Next steps in the reform of Albania s veterinary service (including the PAZA II Project) The core problem identified was that the veterinary service is ineffective : eight main problems areas contribute to this core problem (Fig. 4). Participants recommended that the CVO should propose to the Minister a structured approach to address each of the eight problems areas by means of a series of specialist groups (Table1). The specialist groups should each be led by a lead actor, as indicated in Table 1. Since the issues of veterinary diagnostic laboratories involves the National Food Authority (NFA), it was recommended that the CVO should propose to the Minister that the Director of ISUV should take the lead and formulate proposals to streamline the laboratory service that would be provided to clients (customers), one of whom is the SVS. Other potential customers would include the NFA, food processors and producers (animal owners) and private veterinary clinics. The FVM could lead a review of the training of veterinary graduates, zoo-technicians and laboratory technologists, and should produce proposals together with the Board of a Order on a programme for continuing professional development (CPD). The PAZA II Project is expected to produce four main results two of which are linked to disease surveillance and communication. Therefore, the project could lead discussions in these two areas since it already has a mandate to support work in these areas. Table 1: Problem areas to be followed up by specialist groups Specialist topics 1. Structure of SVS 2. Strategic planning & Budget 3. Communication 4. Disease surveillance 5. Diagnostic laboratories SVS Lead actors Other institutions ISUV PAZA II 6. Skills development FVM 7. Movement control, I&R and Traceability, Markets 8. Legislation () Robert J CONNOR Tirana, 28 March

22 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL REFORM OF THE ALBANIAN STATE VETERINARY SERVICE 1. Background ANNEX 1 In a meeting of senior veterinary stakeholders at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration (MARDWA) held on 28 January 2014, the Deputy Minister stated the urgent need for the reformation and restructuring of the State Service (SVS). The Chief Officer (CVO) outlined the extent of the challenges facing the delivery of a state veterinary service and highlighted difficulties confronting the development of effective partnerships between the SVS and the private veterinary practitioners (PVPs). The Director of the Food Safety and Institute (ISUV) emphasized the difficulty of delivering laboratory services since the former national system had been fragmented when the National Food Authority (AKU) took over responsibility of regional veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Roles and responsibilities remain to be clarified. In ensuing discussion, there was unanimous agreement that concerted action should be taken to address the reform of the SVS in a coherent, far-reaching programme that should provide the basis for the establishment of a modern, internationally compliant SVS. The chairman proposed and the meeting unanimously agreed that the Team Leader of the PAZA II Project should moderate a process to lead and consolidate this reform. He tasked the Team Leader to develop a platform that would support such a process, and urged him to convene a follow-up meeting within the week commencing 3 February All meetings should be scheduled to last for 2 to 3 hours, commencing at 14:00h in the MARDWA. 2. Proposed platform The veterinary advisory group (informally named) is a unique resource that would provide the platform that would support and promote the necessary reforms. 2.1 Scope The scope of the group s work would include the entire veterinary profession; all SVS roles and responsibilities in accordance with OIE guidelines; the national policy and legislative frameworks; institutional arrangements for the delivery of a modern SVS that is fit for purpose; veterinary career structures; and, veterinary education and training (continuing professional development - CPD). 2.2 Expected outputs The group s main outputs will include a) proposals for national policies and strategies to support the delivery of a state veterinary service in line with Albania s agricultural, trade and public health requirements; b) options for the restructuring of the SVS to ensure improved, sustained service delivery; c) prioritization of the activities of the SVS to ensure compliance with the requirements of the OIE and the EU s acquis communautaire. In the course of the group s work, and in line with the action learning approach (2.3 below) that it will use, other outputs will be identified and delivered PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group

23 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL 2.3 Process The group will work in a consultative, participatory style through a moderated process that will follow the principles of action learning and action planning. Frequent meetings will be held. After an initial scoping exercise to produce a work plan, further consultative meetings will be held, which might include other specialist stakeholders. The group might require separate specialist groups to advise on specific elements and to report their views to the main group, and might co-opt specialists to participate in some of its sessions. 2.4 Content The moderator will provide the initial content (or agenda) in the form of structured questions (Annex 1) to explore the subject, and distil and assemble the group s knowledge and experience, and identify constraints, gaps, conflicts and needs. 2.5 Resources The group will identify the resources required to assist the process. The PAZA II Project will assist as much as possible, subject to the prior approval of the EU Delegation s Project Manager. 2.6 Timeframe This will necessarily be compressed but, by adopting a flexible approach and using parallel/simultaneous group work (where small groups will consider specific topics), the process could be accelerated. The option exists for limited residential meetings, when the whole group could retreat to a hotel overnight to facilitate evening work and extended debate. 3. Prerequisites A written mandate from the Minister ARDWA would establish the group s status and authority. A Council of Ministers decision on the acceptance of the reform process would legitimize the group s work, especially its broader consultation with stakeholders in ministries outside the agricultural field, e.g., Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education and sports. Robert J Connor Tirana Team Leader, PAZA II Project 30 January 2014 Moderator PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group

24 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL Appendix 1 State Service of Albania Structure and Function for future compliance with EU requirements How many veterinarians does Albania need? Please define a vet. What is a veterinarian? What functions do veterinarians have? EU legal definition How are veterinarians trained? What is the veterinary curriculum? Who needs a veterinarians? What is the demand? What is the veterinary service? Please define service. Who are the customers? What are the services? Who can deliver the services? Please define public and private goods. What are the legal responsibilities for delivering services for the public good? What are the legal responsibilities for delivering services for the private good? What are veterinary public goods? Please list the legal responsibilities of the State. List the legal instruments in Albania and the EU List the gaps Prioritize the roles and tasks of the State Describe linkages, conflicts and constraints How many institutions have veterinary responsibilities? Please list them How do the responsibilities of these institutions overlap? List and explain What gaps, conflicts or confusion arises between institutions responsibilities? List and link Which institutions are best suited for what roles in terms of veterinary service? Why? What alternatives are there? What is most efficient? Which arrangements are most cost-effective? Options for a State Service PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group

25 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL ANNEX 2 Advisory Group Programme for the Residential retreat Venue: Grand Pameba Hotel, Golem, Durres Date: 4 to 7 March 2014 Day & date Time Activity Comment Tuesday 13:00h Arrival and lunch 4 March 14:30h Welcome: opening statement and review Chief Officer (CVO) 14:45h Stakeholder analysis and discussion Moderator 15:15h Problem analysis and definitions: public & private goods Group work 16:00h Coffee break 16:30h Group reports 17:30h Assignment of tasks for field visit rapid appraisal Moderator 18:00h Close of plenary meeting 19:15h Dinner 20:30h Preparation of assignments Group members Wednesday 5 March Thursday 6 March Friday 7 March 06:00h Depart for field visit: Tirana market 09:00h Arrive at Pameba Hotel breakfast / coffee 10:15h Reports on assignments Group members 12:45h Lunch 14:00h Group 1: Objective tree Group members Group 2: Description of Albania s veterinary profession 15:30h Coffee break 15:45h Group A: SWOT analysis of institutions (ISUV; AKU; Group members municipalities) Group B: Prioritization of roles and responsibilities of the State Service (legislation & policy frameworks) 17:00h Definition of priorities Moderator 18:00h Close of plenary meeting 19:15h Dinner 20:30h Completion of presentations for next day Group members 08:15h Presentations from Groups A and B Group members 10:15h Coffee break 10:45h Linkages and constraints: preparation of information flow Group members diagrams [Group work] 12:45h Lunch 14:15h Options for the structure of the State Service Group members [Group work] 15:45h Coffee break 16:15h Reports of working groups Group members 17:30h Assignments for the closing sessions Moderator 18:00h Close of plenary meeting 19:15h Dinner 20:15h Preparation of presentations for closing sessions Group members 09:00h Presentation of group reports and proposals Group members 10:30h Coffee break 11:00h Finalization of ranked options for the structure of the State Service and an Action Plan for the next steps Group members & Moderator 12:50h Close CVO 13:15h Lunch and depart PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group

26 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL Plates 1-6: After active, structured discussions small groups of participants produced reports that were presented to the plenary sessions PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group

27 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL Plate 7: Disease reporting: steps in the process, with comments of two working groups on measures to improve performance. Plate 8: Problem analysis: the group unanimously accepted that the core problem facing Albania s veterinary service was The veterinary service is ineffective. Plate 9: Evaluation of the meeting: participants evaluated the quality of the meeting by giving a score on a scale of 1 to 5 to each of 8 criteria, i.e., Style; Content; Duration; Group discussion; Quality of discussions; Participation; Moderation of the process; Facilities provided. [1 = Very poor; 5 = very good] PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group

28 Improving consumer protection against zoonotic diseases Phase II Project No: EuropeAid/133990/C/SER/AL Plate 11: Members of the Advisory Group who participated in the first residential consultative meeting on the reform of the State service of Albania, March 2014, Grand Pameba Hotel, Golem, Durres PAZA II Report of the VAG Consultative Group