Poland: agricultural news week 20, 2021

Changes at the Polish Veterinarian Inspection

The Polish Veterinarian Inspection (GIW) has a new Chief Veterinarian Officer (CVO) as well as a new deputy CVO. Both are already familiar faces within the Inspection.

On May 17, the act of appointment for CVO was handed over by the Minister of Agriculture, Grzegorz Puda, to Miroslaw Welz. He replaces Bogdan Konopka as Chief Veterinarian Officer. Miroslaw Welz graduated in 1992 from the Veterinary Faculty of the Agricultural University in Lublin. In 2011 he obtained his PhD at the University of Life Sciences in Warsaw (SGGW) and has written several scientific publications, especially in the field of veterinarian epidemiology. In November 2019, Miroslaw Welz was appointed as deputy CVO, from which he resigned in mid-March 2021.

On April 28, Krzystof Jażdżewski was appointed as the deputy Chief Veterinarian Officer. The responsibilities of the CVO Deputy include matters relating to animal health and protection, borders and laboratories. Krzysztof Jazdewski returned to the top of the Polish Veterinary Inspection. In the years 2004-2006 he was the Chief Veterinary Officer, and in 2006-2018 he was the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer. He is the author of publications on the control of infectious diseases in animals and the safety of food of animal origin. He also conducts classes for students of specialization studies in veterinary medicine and training programs of the National Veterinary Institute - National Research Institute in Puławy.

The Polish Veterinarian Service (GIW) is currently facing a large number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza (HPAI), as well as trying to stop the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) which is present in both the east and west of the country. GIW has faced criticism for the way the Inspection is handling the outbreaks. Whether the rotation in the top of the Inspection is connected to the criticism wasn’t mentioned. Changes in the position of CVO and deputy CVO in Poland normally also occur with the change of the Minister of Agriculture. The Minister of Agriculture, Grzegorz Puda, was appointed on 30 September 2020.

Strategy for HPAI outbreaks with new CVO

The Polish poultry sector is hit hard with a great number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Currently (May 21) 322 outbreaks of HPAI have been confirmed by the Veterinarian Inspection and 11,7 mln birds have been culled.

During a press conference with the new CVO, Miroslaw Welz and the Minister of Agriculture, Grzegorz Puda, a new strategy for fighting HPAI was announced. The main news was the announcement of the set up three new laboratories to conduct research and new animal disease control procedures which should contribute to a faster and more effective eradication of outbreaks. With the set up of three more laboratories, the main laboratory in Pulawy (PIWET-PIB) should be able to focus only on diagnostic tests of suspected samples. One of the pillars of the effective control of avian influenza is the quick diagnosis and immediate elimination of infected poultry flocks - emphasized prof. Krzysztof Niemczuk of PIWET-PIB.

During the conference, it was also assured that on farms where the principles of biosecurity were complied with, breeders would receive due compensation for liquidated herds. The ministry is aiming to receive EU funds to fight the virus. “However, it will be possible only after the virus is completely eliminated and the country is recognized as free from this disease” - emphasized Minister Grzegorz Puda.

Minister Grzegorz Puda also appealed to all poultry farmers to strictly adhere to the principles of biosecurity. The Chief Veterinary Officer in cooperation with the National Veterinary Institute also announced temporary minimum biosecurity rules when making available runs for breeding and slaughter geese flocks. The CVO appeals to all geese breeders to obey them. 

With the change of weather and season, it is expected that the number of outbreaks will decrease.  

Source: wetgiv.gov.pl

New cooperation on drought in Poland

This week the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment launched the susza.gov.pl (susza means drought in Polish) platform, which is to inform about the drought in a complementary way and provide tips on the help offered. The new platform is to allow a broader look at the drought phenomenon that the Pole has been struggling with for years.
The Ministry, together with the Polish Academy of Sciences and 15 Polish universities focusing on climate-related projects, and in particular those exploring the issue of drought and floods in Poland, signed a letter of intent on cooperation for an in-depth analysis of measures to prevent drought in the country.
This cooperation will include exchange of knowledge and experience as well as using the scientific and didactic potential. "An important element of it will be work on modern and innovative solutions and technologies to reduce the effects of drought and the shortage of water resources in the country" - the Ministry emphasized.

Source: SadyOgrody.pl