COMISA becomes the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH) …

… and will enjoy more direct input from industry leaders


The COMISA General Assembly of 26 and 27 March 2001 approved fundamental changes to the structure of the organisation after an in-depth review of its functioning and effectiveness. Industry leaders will now be more directly involved in decision-making and the name will be changed to the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH).

The Board will consist of CEOs from the 12 IFAH member companies and representatives from the four regional organisations in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and South and Central America.

Priorities for the coming year will include:
- Addressing drug availability and antibiotic resistance;
- Monitoring activities in Codex Committees and representing therein the interests of the animal health industry;
- Continuing efforts with regard to international regulatory harmonisation; and,
- Developing relations with allied global associations and multi-lateral governmental organizations.

The Board will work to strengthen and develop relationships with Associations at the national level. Priority will also be given to strengthening the membership base of the federation and recruiting a new Executive Director.

The new Board met after the General Assembly and confirmed the Presidency of Bruce Andrews (Alpharma). Alan Reade (Merial) was elected Vice-President and Raul Kohan (Schering Plough) Treasurer.

The new Members of the Board are:
- Friedrich Berschauer (Bayer)
- Sebastiao Costa Guedes (Sindan, South & Central America)
-George Gunn (Pharmacia)
- Hans-Beat Gürtler (Novartis)
- Patrick James (Elanco)
- Dietrich Janott (Boehringer Ingelheim)
- Ichiro Kaizuka (JVPA, Asia/Pacific)
- Pedro Lichtinger (Pfizer)
- Eric Maree (Virbac)
- Alexander Mathews (AHI, North America)
- Cheryl Morley (Monsanto)
- Johan Vanhemelrijck (Fedesa, Europe)
- Toon Wilderbeek (Intervet)

For further information, please contact Dr. Anthony J. Mudd, the IFAH secretariat.