USMEF Issues RFP to Address CSF & END in Mexico

May 26, 2010 — 

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has issued a Request for Proposals to contract with a third party to provide services for improved surveillance, diagnostics and reporting of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) in Mexico.

The goal of the contract is to conduct consulting services to (a) help Mexico develop systems, procedures, and infrastructure to control and/or eradicate Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) and hence to be recognized by USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for CSF and END regionalization; and (b) to support Mexico's Secretariat of Agriculture (SAGARPA) to develop and recognize science-based regulations with regard to control and eradication of CSF and END. The objective is to enhance Mexico's ability to monitor and manage disease outbreaks which in turn provides additional protection for U.S. livestock.

Two primary target measures are: 1) immediate study to determine if CSF and END viruses are in circulation and 2) enhanced surveillance programs to quickly detect their occurrence in the Central Western region (for CSF) and other Mexican states (Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon and Lagunera Region) where END is still prevalent. However, among these states the activity will be initially focused on, and give priority to, Jalisco and Michoacan for CSF and Nuevo Leon for END.

The consulting work must cover, at a minimum, the following areas:
(a) the status of the two diseases,
(b) laboratory and surveillance procedures,
(c) training requirements, and
(d) laboratory infrastructure needs.

Interested parties can find additional information in the USMEF Request For Proposal. The deadline for submission is July 15, 2010 and USMEF will make a selection by August 2, 2010.