In the era of globalization and free trade, Indonesia must prepare itself and anticipate all dynamic changes, be able to compete at international level, and suppress negative effects to the country, nation and its natural resources as much as possible. For the last decade, Indonesia has faced many challenges in animal health. Even though Indonesia has successfully eradicated Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in 1986, but new emerging diseases such as Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) and Avian Influenza (AI) and re-emerging diseases such as Anthrax, Rabies, and Brucellosis indicates that the diseases have not been managed systematically and integratedly. This shows that the national animal health system is still weak. Also there are several animal health issues that will be future challenges for Indonesia, such as the possible introduction of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), FMD, and Nipah virus.

CIVAS (Center for Indonesian Veterinary Analytical Studies), as the only NGO specializing in veterinary medicine, has high concern and care on the development of animal health in Indonesia. CIVAS had held a National Seminar on Animal Health to evaluate, identify, and offer alternative solutions for current and future issues in animal health.

The seminar was aimed to:

1. Evaluate and identify animal health issues and challenges.
2. Find and design several alternative solutions for the identified issues.
3. Give recommendations to competent authorities regarding policies that could support the establishment of a strong animal health system.
4. Give recommendations on the planning, development, and implementation of a national animal health system in Indonesia

Seminar participants were veterinarians from government offices, Professional Associations, Non-Government Organizations, practitioners, university professors, researchers, students, and the general public. The seminar was held on November 25, 2006, at the Alumni Building of Bogor Agricultural University (Gedung Alumni IPB), Baranangsiang, Bogor. It is part of a series of events held to celebrate CIVAS’ 1st anniversary.