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STANDARD SUMMARY PROJECT FICHE

Basic Information

1.1. Désirée Number 2002/000-579.05.04Twinning light EE02-IB-AG-041.2. Title: Minimalisation of number of rabies cases among wild and domestic

animals in Estonia1.3. Sector: Agriculture1.4. Location: Estonia

Objectives

2.1. Overall objective:Eradication of rabies in Estonia

2.2. Project purpose:Minimalisation of number of rabies cases among wild and domestic animalsand via this reducing opportunity for humans to get infected with rabies.

2.3. Accession Partnership and NPAA priority• Accession Partnership 2001Agriculture- complete system of animal identification; implement quality control system(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point HACCP), animal wastetreatment, modernisation of meat and dairy plant residue and zoonosis controlprogrammes.

• NPAA 20017. Agriculture

7.1. Internal Market7.1.1. Veterinary and Food SectorObjectives for 2002-2003/…/ Main focus lies with continued implementation, improvement andstrengthening of work performed by institutions of supervision andlaboratories./…/

2.4 Cross Border ImpactAs being non-CBC project, it has no direct cross border impact. In the end of theproject the number of rabies cases among the wild and domestic animals will bedecreased, which will also minimise the possibility of spreading of the disease toneighbouring countries (Latvia, Russia)

Description

3.1. Background and justification:

3.1.1. BackgroundRabies is an acute mortal viral encephalitis of warm-blooded animals and humanscaused by RNA-virus of the Lyssavirus family which mostly spreads by the saliva ofa sick animal that gets into the wound as a result of a bite. The disease can also spread

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by the contamination of injured skin or mucous membrane with the saliva of a sickanimal.All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to the disease. Birds seldom fall ill with thedisease. Red foxes and racoon dogs form the reservoir of the virus in the wildlife ofEstonia; as to the pets, cats and dogs catch it more often than other domestic animals.The incubation period of rabies is from 14 days to 6 months or longer (4–8 weeks onthe average). An animal infected with rabies can spread the virus up to 10 days beforethe clinical symptoms appear. After the appearance of clinical symptoms the animaldies within ten days.Rabies has two clinical forms: aggressive and silent. The signs of damage to thecentral nervous system, behavioural deviations, salivation, paralysis of pharyngealand skeletal muscles characterise both forms of the disease.

• General overviewA preventive method used in Estonia against rabies is the vaccination of dogs andcats, as these species are regarded as the source of infection for humans. The cost ofthe vaccine is covered by the state budget. Pursuant to Minister of AgricultureRegulation No. 67 “Rabies Control Rules” of 20.11.2000 (RTL 2000, 120, 1876) ananimal owner is required to ensure that the cats and dogs belonging to him or her arevaccinated. The vaccination of farm animals grazed on woodland pastures andpastures adjacent to forests is recommended. Animals are vaccinated by veterinarysupervisory officials, authorised veterinary surgeons or licensed veterinarians.Campaigns for vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies, in which many pet clinicsalso participate, are conducted in spring, March and April. Vaccination data ofdomestic animals in 1996–2001 is mentioned in table 1 of annex 7.

• Demographic data on wild animals.The territory of the Republic of Estonia is 45,100 km2, of which 25,000 km2 is underforest.Rabies in Estonia originates from wildlife and its main reservoir is red foxes andracoon dogs, whose number has increased in Estonia during the last years accordingto the data of the Ministry of the Environment (see table 2 in annex 7).

• Comparative data on rabies infections across species in Estonian counties in1999–2001. (see table 3 in annex 7)

Rabies infections are more frequent in March and April, which coincides with thegreater activity of foxes and racoon dogs during the mating season (January–March),taking into account the 4–8 incubation period of rabies.

The main source of rabies infection for humans is infected cats and dogs. The lastcase of rabies in humans was registered in 1986. No rabies infections of people haveoccurred in Estonia after that. Rabies infections of humans in Estonia across yearssince World War 2 can be followed in table 4 of annex 7.

• Epidemiological analysis and potential causes of rabies dynamicsThe structure of rabies infections across species has been relatively stable across theyears. During 1968–1999 farm animals accounted for 6%, dogs and cats for 18–23%and wild animals for 71–76% of all cases of illness. In 2001 the respective figureswere: farm animals 7.2%, dogs and cats 10.8% and wild animals 82%. Of farm

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animals, the number of infections has increased in bovines: 3 cases of infection in1998, which accounts for 1.8% of the total infections in animals, 5 cases in 1999––4%, 19 cases in 2000––14.5%, and 11 cases in 2001––6.6%. In the dogs and catscategory, the occurrence of rabies has significantly decreased in cats in 1998–2001(however, the number of cases in 2001 increased): 27 cases in 1998––16% of allregistered cases in animals, 15 cases in 1999––12.5%, 4 cases in 2000––3%, and 12cases in 2001––7.2%. This may be due to the improved awareness of pet owners, whohave started to vaccinate their cats alongside dogs. Rabies infections have alsodecreased in dogs: from 10% in 1998 to 3.6% in 2001.Of wild animals, red foxes account for 45.5%, racoon dogs for 25.5% and other wildanimals (badgers, martens, polecats, squirrels, lynx, roes and elks) for 3.8% of allcases of rabies in wild animals during 1998–2001. (see also table 5 in annex 7)

• Costs incurred under the present programmeThe state programme carried out in Estonia for rabies prevention is based on theInfectious Animal Disease Control Act, the Rabies Control Rules, and the stateprogramme for infectious animal disease control. Under the state programme forrabies prevention, state budget funds are used to cover the costs of laboratory tests ofanimals concerning rabies and the costs of anti-rabies vaccination of mainly dogs andcats.In Estonia, rabies tests are carried out mainly for those wild animals who behaveunnaturally and/or enter the premises of households and are killed. All bovine animalswith nervous symptoms which have died or which are emergency slaughtered are alsotested for rabies. The related samples are taken and tested in the laboratory throughoutthe year.The price of one analysis is 37,2 EUR (with bio-assay) or 13,4 EUR (without bio-assay).The costs of vaccinating dogs and cats are covered from the state budget and theprocedure is free of charge for pet owners.The cost of one vaccination is 0,86 EUR, which includes the cost of the vaccine ––0,17, the cost of a disposable syringe –– 0,05 EUR and the wages of the personperforming vaccination –0,64 EUR. (see Table 6 in annex 7)

All farm animals are required to be identifiable in Estonia. All pedigree dogs holdinga pedigree certificate that have been born on 1 January 2000 or later are also requiredto be identifiable.

3.1.2. JustificationThe aim of the project is for Estonia to put into practice a plan for eradication ofrabies via oral vaccination of wild animals in compliance with the following EUlegislation: 90/638/EEC: Council Decision of 27 November 1990 laying downCommunity criteria for the eradication and monitoring of certain animal diseases.At this moment wild animals are not vaccined against rabies.

The central agency performing supervision over and coordinating the agenciesresponsible for the implementation of the programme is the Veterinary and FoodBoard (VFB).

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• Aim of oral vaccination programmeThe aim of the Republic of Estonia is to achieve the status of being free from rabies.To attain this goal, the present programme is ineffective, because rabies in Estoniaoriginates from wildlife and its main reservoir are red foxes and racoon dogs.Therefore, wild animals––red foxes and racoon dogs––should also be included in theprogramme.Wild animals are vaccinated orally with vaccine-laced baits. The vaccination schemeis the following:

- as a rule, baits are dropped in the endangered areas with a density of 20–25baits per square kilometre twice a year during three consecutive years;

- further vaccination depends on the situation; as the frequency of rabiesinfections in high in the countries surrounding Estonia and this poses an actualdanger to us, the procedure would be continued within an area of 30kilometres from state borders once a year.

• Source data, which should be taken into account while elaborating programme ofthe oral vaccination of wild animals

Territory of Estonia: 45,000 km².Area under forest: 25,000 km².One-third of Estonian territory (area where foxes and racoon dogs mainly live):15,000 km².Minimum bait drop area: 6,000 km2.Price of from 0.58 EUR up to 1,35 EUR.

Storage of vaccine approximately 3845 EUR per vaccination series. Bait droppingfrom an aeroplane takes approximately 90 working days, the storage time is at leastfour months. The storage temperature of vaccines is–20 oC.

Performance of vaccination: twice a year (in spring and autumn) during 3 years (inan area of 15,000 km2).Baiting density: 20–25 baits per square kilometre.Transportation costs approximately 3200 EUR (from France or Germany toEstonia, depending on the results of the tender)Cost of bait dropping from a plane appr. 70 000 EUR per bait drop (covering 15000 km2 with the prescribed drop density), price quotation from First Invest OY incooperation with the Finnish Utin Lennuühing air company that has experience issuch work in Finland.

Eating control during vaccination: on the third, seventh and fourteenth day. Withinone month after the bait drop, the Veterinary and Food Board in cooperation with theEnvironmental Inspectorate and natural and legal persons who have hunting andfishing rights, the effectiveness of the campaign is checked by laboratory testing ofhunted foxes and racoon dogs up to 8 animals per 100 km2 of bait drop area.Cost of eating control analyses during vaccination: cost of 1 analysis (biomarkertetracycline), establishment of the special characteristics of the vaccine (laboratorytests)––laboratory currently has no means to test the biomarker tetracycline, relevantequipment should be providedPost-vaccination control period: two years.

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Post-vaccination assessment of antibodies: assessment of titre of antibodies(immunological testing)Organising costs (including official announcement, information booklets etc.)

• Eating control during vaccination:Within one month (presumeably on the third, seventh and fourteenth day) aftereach droping of vaccine baits control of bait-intake is made. The indicator in thebait is tetracycline, which accumulates in the teeth of the animals, who eat thebait. To know whether animals have eaten the bait, several target animals in thebait drop area have to be diagnostically killed and tested. (suggested number is upto 8 foxes per 100 km2 of bait drop area). Within one month after the bait drop, theVeterinary and Food Board in cooperation with the Environmental Inspectorateand natural and legal persons who have hunting and fishing rights, theeffectiveness of the campaign is checked by laboratory testing of hunted foxes andracoon dogs.• Assessment of results will be done within two years after vaccination campainand after completion of the Phare project.

The two-year control period after vaccination involves the hunting of up to eight foxesper 100 km2 of the bait drop area and their laboratory testing for detection of marker.As hunting is the only way to control the vaccination it is strictly related to theproject.

• Practical aspects taken into account.It would be reasonable to choose economically suitable vaccine effective in both redfoxes and racoon dogs. The bait drop area should be 15,000 km2, i.e. approximatelyone-third of the Estonian territory (forests, scrubs, a part of marshes and bogs), wherered foxes and racoon dogs live. For a better result, wild animals should be vaccinatedtwice a year––in spring and autumn, in which way pregnant female animals would bevaccinated in spring and the young animals who are born in spring would bevaccinated in the autumn. Vaccination twice a year would also be economically morereasonable, because organising costs are lower, as the time of the entire campaign isshorter. Based on the experience of Finnish colleagues, it is reasonable to drop 25baits per square kilometre in the first year. The distance between drop lines is 200 mand the baits are dropped at 200 metre intervals.

In the second and third year of vaccination 20 baits are dropped per square kilometre.The distance between drop lines is 250 m and the baits are dropped at 200 metredensity.

The bait drop should be carried out from a plane, as the drop would then be moreeven. Using human labour would require a large number of people who drop the baitsin the forest, plus people who train and instruct the droppers, etc., which is whyorganising costs would increase. A manual bait drop requires the use of rubber glovesto avoid human smell.Vaccination of wild animals once a year would also yield results, but the wholevaccination cycle will extend from three to five or six years, which is eventually moreexpensive than the shorter period.

.

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3.2. Linked activities:

Phare project “Strenghtening of TSE Control System in Estonia”. The project purposeis to establish system for epidemio-surveillance and testing of transmissiblespongiform encephalopathies (TSE). The project will be launched in August 2002.

FAO project TCP/RER/0065 (A) “Improved Meat Production in the Baltic Regionthrough Epidemiology-based Control of Trichinellosis — a Parasitic Zoonosis” inEstonia.The following activities were carried out in the frames of abovementioned project:investigations on the spread of trichinellosis in Estonia, distribution of trichinellosis indomestic pigs and horses, analysis on epizootic situation of trichinellosis in gameanimals. Practical and theoretical training courses and seminars were carried out inmany regions of Estonia. Several papers on FAO trichinellosis project and Trichinellainfection in animals and man were published. Estonian report of the project was madeby coordinator of the project in Estonia, professor Toivo Järvis in February 2002.Proposals were made for further activities like advanced training courses for the stateand private veterinarians and other specialists in diagnostics, epidemiology andcontrol of trichinellosis, introduction of the artificial digestion method to diagnosetrichinellosis in small slaughterhouses, improvement of deratization.

3.3. Results1:

Contract 1Rabies eradication programme is elaborated and implementation launched in

accordance with Council Decision 90/638/EECVeterinary officials and veterinarians are trained concerning sampling procedures;Communication with the public and hunting organisations in the regions concerned is

established.

Contract 2Sufficient supply (approximately 1 950 000 baits) of proper vaccine baites ispurchased.

Contract 3The vaccine baits are distributed with the density prescribed by the producer or by thesuggestions of the competent authorities of the EU Member States.

Contract 41. Veterinary and Food Laboratory is equipped to assess the samples taken fromsuspected and target animals.2. Laboratory staff is trained to perform all necessary examinations.

Contract 5Samples are collected and tested for rabies detection and vaccine intake control

1 See Logframe for the indicators of achievement.

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3.4. Activities:

Contract 1Twinning light1.1. One short term expert (1 working month over a 4 consecutive months period),including one or two visits of at least a week in autumn 2002 and short visits forparticipation in training courses in 2003)Tasks of the expert:a) assistance in elaborating rabies eradication programme for the years 2003 – 2005;b) assistance in organising training for veterinary officials and veterinariansconcerning rabies eradiction and sampling procedures (central office of VFB - 3, localoffices – 20 officials involved)c) assistance in preparing training materials (for 20 veterinary officials and 200authorised veterinarians)d) assistance in preparing bulletins, press releases and seminars for informing generalpublic and hunting organisations (at least one infoday in each county to increaseawareness of general public and hunting organisations)

Expert profileThe expert should be a specialist of rabies prevention and eradication having practicalexperience in the field including in the area of publicity. The expert should have goodcommand of English and be computer literate.

1.2. Study tour to EU Member State for 3-4 days for getting an experience incomposing and implementation of the rabies eradication programme for 2-3 officersof central office of FVB.

2. Short term expert for 14 days

Tasks of the expert:Training veterinary officials in sampling procedures of animals suspected to beinfected with rabies and also of control animals to evaluate bait-intake, and compilingrelevant study materials. The expert has to make several trips to Estonia.The number of trained veterinary officials is the following: central office of VFB - 3,local offices – 20. The trained veterinariy officials will train 200 authorisedveterinarians and approcimately 600 licensed veterinarians.Expert profileThe expert should be a specialist of rabies prevention and eradication having practicalexperience in sampling procedures. The expert should have good command ofEnglish and be computer literate.

Budget breakdownTravel costs 1 500 EUREU Member state administrative costs 4200 EURPer Diem 2400 EURFees 2800 EURTraining materials for 23 officials 11 500 EUR (€500 per capita)

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3. Publishing and distribution of bulletins, press releases.Publishing and distribution of rabies related infosheets to publicity before eachvaccine distribution period. Informing publicity via mass media before each vaccinedistribution period. This will cover the costs of issuing and distribution of leaflets,preparation and publishing of press releases, preparation and performing of thepresentations in national TV.

Contract 2Procurement and provision of vaccine baits needed for each vaccination cycle:ensuring the consistency of supplement, proper storage and transportation facilities.The bait drop would be carried out in a territory of 15,000 km2 twice a year. Baitingdensity would be 25 baits per km2 in the first year, approximately 750 000 baitsneeded per first year and 20 baits per km2 in the second and third years,approximately 600 000 baits per year.The average bait cost taken as a basis for budget proposal is 1,12 EUR.

Contract 3Distribution of vaccine baits by plane according to the procedures and densityprescribed by the eradication programme. Justification see 3.1.2.

70000 € per bait drop*6= 420 000 €Transport 3200 €*6= 19 200 €Storage 3845 €*6= 23 070 €

Contract 41. Procurement of the equipment for assessment of samples from suspected and targetanimals: 1 bone microtom with nessessary additional equipment (12 000 EUR), twofreezers for storage of samples (2 000 EUR each).Feasibility study has been requestedfrom PPTMF and will be ready in September 2002.2. Training of laboratory staff to perform necessary examinationsTraining of 1 laboratory specialist of pathology in the preparation of bone fractions,detection of tetratcycline in samples and 1 laboratory specialist of virology in testingautolysed saplest taken in field conditions by ELISA. (training period approximatelytwo weeks per trainee).

Contract 5Collection of samples for rabies detection and vaccine intake controlAs price for foxes and racoon dogs skins are extemely low at the present moment, it isnecessary to subsidize hunting of these animals to collect samples at the rate of 4Euros per animal (14.400 € ). The hunting costs will be covered by Estonian co-financing.

Testing of one sample for detection of marker costs approximately 7 EUR.As for efficiency assessment 8 foxes per 100 km2 (from 15 000 km2) per year have tobe hunted during the period of 3years and the testing cost per sample is 7 EUR, thetotal cost of assessment is 25 200 EUR (of which 6 300 from co-financing incl.).

3.5 Lessons learned

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The Annual Assessment Report R/ES/AGR/99031 suggested that project activitiesshould be implemented in a logical sequence and designed to optimise the benefits ofthe activities. This approach has been adopted in the design of the project.

The vaccination of domestic animals only, chiefly dogs and cats, does not yield thedesired result––to eradicate rabies in Estonia. To eradicate rabies, red foxes andracoon dogs need to be orally vaccinated.

4. Institutional Framework

The Ministry of Agriculture will be the Estonian co-ordinator of the project. Thedirect beneficiaries involved in this project are two institutions within the Ministry ofAgriculture:- Veterinary and Food BoardThe Veterinary and Food Board (VFB) is responsible for the co-ordination andimplementation of the legislation governing veterinary medicine, food safety andanimal protection, as well as state supervision and enforcement. This includes theinspection of live animals, producers and processors of food as well as of wholesaleservices and transport. The Border Service of VFB is responsible for the inspectionsof live animals, raw material for food and food at the border.

The VFB is also the competent authority in the field of animal health and responsiblefor rabies control in Estonia. Elaboration and general coordination of implementationrabies eradication programme is responsibility of the central authority of the VFB.The 15 local veterinary officials responsible for animal health in local level coordinateimplementation of programme. Veterinary officials (20) or authorised veterinariansworking for VFB (in total approximately 220 persons) take samples and send theminto VFL.

- Veterinary and Food LaboratoryVeterinary and Food Laboratory (VFL) – This laboratory is responsible for prioritystatutory testing under various animal disease surveillance and food safety controlprograms, also laboratory testing of imported and exported animals and relevantgoods as the institution providing inspection authorities with relevant analyticalsupport. VFL will retain the laboratory equipment at the end of the project.VFL registers samples, makes necessary examinations and reports results VFB.Analysing of the results and communication with international reference laboratoriesare also responsibilities of the VFL.

5. Detailed Budget

Phare Support ( € )InvestmentSupport

InstitutionBuilding

TotalPhare(=I+IB)3

NationalCofinancing

IFI5 TOTAL

Twinning lightcomponent:

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Contract 1 1. STA for 1 wm 2. Project leader

3. Short-termexpert for 14days (training)4. Publishingand distributionof bulletins,press releases5. Study tours6. Reserve

18 00016 00022 400

20 000

5 4002 300

18 00016 00022 400

20 000

5 4002 300

8 800

2 500

18 00016 00022 400

28 800

7 9002 300

84 100 84 10011 300

95 400Contract 2Procurement andprovision ofvaccine baites

1 640 600 1 640600

546 900 2 187 500

1 640 600 1 640600

546 900 2 187 500

Contract 3(Service)Distribution ofvaccine baites

346 000 346 000 116 300 462 300

346 000 346 000 116 300 462 300Contract 41. Procurement of theequipment forassessment of samplesfrom suspected andtarget animals2. Training oflaboratory staff

12 000

5 000

12 000

5 000

4 000

1 400

16 000

6 400

12 000 5 000 17 000 5 400 22 400Contract 5Obtaining andassessment ofsamples (service)

18 900 18 90020 700 39 600

18 900 18 90020 700 39 600

TOTAL 2 017 500 89 100 2 106600 700 600

2 807 200

National co-financing

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National co-financing 2003 2004 2005 TotalState budget 346 500 177050 177050 700600Total national co-financing 346 500 177050 177050 700600

Joint financing will be the rule for contracts 2 to 5.

For the earmarked co-finance, a clear and verifiable set of costs will be provided. Forin-kind co-financing, such as training facilities or office costs, the translation intomonetary costs should be based on unit costs (for office costs this would be the unitrental rate per square metre per unit time, etc.).

The beneficiary will define which budget lines are the source for cofinance. Flow andstock data on co-finance will be submitted quarterly for steering committees, twice ayear to the Sector Monitoring Working Group. The beneficiary commits to soundfinancial management and financial control.

From the 2003- 2005 Estonian State budget € 700 600 is foreseen for co-financing ofthe project. Estonian parallel co-financing is foreseen to cover expenses related to thetraining of veterinary officials and veterinarians and study visits (€ 2 500, contract 1),training of laboratory staff (€ 1 400) and for efficiency assessment (€ 6 300) (seecontracts 4 and 5). The hunters will be paid only form Estonian co-financing (€ 14400, contract 5).Joint co-financing is foreseen to cover the costs for publishing and distribution ofbulletins, informing media (€ 8 800), (see contract 1), procurement (€ 546 900)transportation, storage and distribution of vaccine baits by airplane (€116 300), (seecontact 3). Estonian joint co-financing is also foreseen to cover expenses connectedwith procurement of the sampling equipment (€ 4 000). Also hiring of 2 additional specialists into VFL is foreseen in state budget for 2003.All necessary funds for completion of the project will be covered by Estonian budget.Since the speciality of project requires it to be 5 years durable project, activitiesperformed in two years after the completion of the Phare project will be covered byEstonian funds.

6. Implementation Arrangements

6.1. Implementing Agency

The Implementing Agency is the Central Financing and Contracting Unit (CFCU)who will be responsible for tendering and contracting. The responsibility for projectpreparation, implementation and control will remain with the recipient institution.

PAO: PO:Mr Renaldo Mändmets Mr Peeter SeestrandDeputy Secretary General Head of the Department of Public and Foreign

AffairsMinistry of Finance Ministry of AgricultureSuur-Ameerika 1, Tallinn Lai 39/41, TallinnPh +372 6113 545 Ph +372 6256 129

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renaldo.mandmets@fin.ee peeter.seestrand@agri.ee

Project manager:Mrs. Enel Niin Head of Animal Health Office Ph. +372 6051 736Fax. +372 6211441E-mail: enel@vet.agri.ee

6.2 Twinning lightBeneficiary institutions are the VFB and the VFL within the Ministry of Agriculture;contact persons are:

VFB: VFL:Mrs. Enel Niin Mr. Arvo ViltropHead of Animal Health Office Vice -DirectorPh. +372 6051 736 Ph. +372 422 802Fax. +372 6211441 Fax. +372 421 730E-mail: enel@vet.agri.ee E-mail: arvo@vetlab.ee

The twinning light expert will be placed at the VFB in Tallinn.A Steering Committee will be set up to oversee project implementation. The SteeringCommittee will meet once a quarter and it will include the representatives of the VFLand VFB, the Ministry of Agriculture, the EC Delegation in Tallinn and the Ministryof Finance. A Memorandum of Understanding will also be signed between theinstitutions involved to ensure good co-operation. Flow data on co-financing will beprovided to the Steering Committee quarterly.

6.3. Non-standard aspectsThe project consists of investment and twinning components. The DIS manual will bestrictly followed. For twinning component Twinning Manual rules apply

6.4. Phare contractsContract 1: Twinning Light (€ 84 100)Contract 2 Procurement and provision of vaccine baites (€2 187 500)Contract 3: Distribution of vaccine baites (€462 300 )Contract 4: Procurement of the equipment for assessment of samples from suspectedand target animals, training of laboratory staff (€21 000)Contract 5: Assessment of samples (€25 200)

7. Implementation Schedule

An implementation chart is presented in Annex 2. The call for proposals is scheduledfor September 2002 the start of project activity is December 2002 and projectcompletion is foreseen in September 2005.

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8. Equal OpportunityDuring the implementation of the project there will be no discrimination on thegrounds of race, sex, sexual orientation, mother tongue, religion, political or otheropinion, national or social origin, birth or other status. Equal opportunities for women,men and minorities will be ensured by the Steering Committee during theimplementation of the project. The Estonian laws and regulations concerning theequal opportunities for women, men and minorities will strictly be followed. Equalopportunity for men and women to participate in the project will be measured byrecording the experts and consultants employed.

9. EnvironmentEnvironmental issues can be considered in the widest sense – with eradication ofrabies in wildlife and domestic animals the effect on the environment will be achievedthrough the better fulfilment of requirements by the relevant institutions.

10. Rates of return

Not applicable as financial and economic rates of return are impossible to determine,but the whole population will benefit from the rabies eradication, because eradicationof rabies is important from the aspect of both human and animal health. Contacts ofsick wild animals with domestic animals and the infection of domestic animals withrabies would be reduced, which would reduce and eliminate the chance of people toget infected by rabies.

11. Investment criteria11.1. Catalytic effect:

Phare support is essential for eradication rabies according to programmeacceptable to the EU.

11.2. Cofinancing:The project will be co-financed by the Estonian Government through the statebudget funds in the amount of € 692 900.

11.3. Additionality:Not applicable as state institutions are involved and no private investments areforeseen or relevant.

11.4. Project readiness and size:The project will be ready for implementation as soon as funds are available.To guarantee this, all the involved institutions have carried out the assessmentof training and investment needs.

11.5. Sustainability:The responsibility for carrying out rabies eradication programme via oralvaccination of wild animals, which comply with the relevant EU norms andrequirements, rests with the state. This is why the state guarantees thesustainability of the project and further financial contributions to fullfill theabovementioned programme in accordance with Council Decision 90/638/EEC.

11.6. Compliance with state aids provisionsState aid provisions of the Europe Agreement will be respected and Phare DIS rulesapplied to all investments. For twinning component Twinning Manual rules apply.

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11.7. Contribution to the National Development Plan:Not applicable

12. Conditionality and sequencing

1. Training materials will be prepared before the training is started, by the VFBwithin the framework of twinning light component.

2. Two laboratory specialists have to be contracted before training can commence.Thelaboratory specialists (1 specialist of pathology in the preparation of bone fractions,detection of tetratcycline in samples and 1 specialist of virology in testing autolysedsamples by ELISA) are planned to be hired January 2003.3. Logframe to be revised and resubmitted to ECD for approval at Covenant stage.4. Project Leader to be nominated before Covenant stage by beneficiary.5. Memorandum of understanding between VFB and VFL will be signed before

the project starts.6. Government of The Estonian Republic will guarantee sustainability of the

activities after the end of the project.7. Evidence of co-finance will be required before the project start as well as the exactbudget line/s.

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ANNEXES TO PROJECT FICHE

Logical framework matrixDetailed implementation chartContracting and disbursement scheduleReference to feasibility /pre-feasibility studies.List of relevant Laws and RegulationsDetailed financial calculation for years 2003 - 20057. Background, illustrating tables and maps

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ANNEX 1Phare log frame

LOGFRAME PLANNING MATRIX FORProject: Minimalisation of number of rabies cases among wild and domestic animals in Estonia

Programme name andnumber

Contracting period expires:30 November 2004

Disbursement period expires: 31March 2006

Total budget: 2 799 500 Phare budget: € 2 106 600

Overall objective Objectively verifiableindicators

Sources of Verification

The effective transposition and implementation of EU diseasecontrol acquis on control of rabies

Number of rabies cases has beendecreased (hopefully to 0, as in 1999 wehad 120, 2000 – 131 , 2001 167, and in2002 until 01.06.02 - 131 cases.), potential risk for human and animalhealth has been diminished, correctepidemiological datas are availablemonthly and annually ( Monthly reportof each county about animals foundpositive to rabies. Quarterly reports ofnumbers of animals vaccinated byinjection against rabies in each country.Above mentioned reports are controlledand summarised by central officeaccordingly to monthly report orquarterly report of county, also annualreport of country about rabies casesdiagnosed and animals vaccinated in theterritory of Estonia is available.Monthly and annual reports about rabiesbaits distributed in counties and in totalarea of Estonia. which ones please describe)

Annual Reports of Veterinaryand Food Board (VFB) andVeterinary and Food Laboratory(VFL)Communications with the ECand OIE

Project purpose Objectively verifiable Sources of Verification Assumptions

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indicators

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Minimalisation of number of rabies casesamong wild and domestic animals and via thisreducing opportunity for humans to getinfected with rabies.

Approximately 1 950 000 baitsdistributed in the territory of Estonia,control of baits intake made inappropriate amount of animals, allanimals suspected to rabies tested(number of suspected animals has been329 in 2000 and 419 in 2001, so as byoral vaccination also the number ofsuspected animals should decrease, itshould remain between 100 – 250animals annually)

Annual reports of VFBa) samples taken from

suspected animalsb) random sampling of

target animals in orderto control the intake ofbaites

1-

Results Objectively verifiableindicators

Sources of Verification Assumptions

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Contract 11) Rabies eradication programme is elaborated and

implementation launched in accordance with CouncilDecision 90/638/EEC

2) Veterinary officials and veterinarians are trained concerningsampling procedures;

3) Communication with the public and hunting organisations inthe regions concerned is established.

Contract 21. Sufficient supply of proper vaccine baites is purchased.

Contract 31. The vaccine baits are distributed with the density prescribed bythe producer or by the succestions of the competent authorities ofthe EU Member States.

Contract 41. Veterinary and Food Laboratory is equipped to assess thesamples taken from suspected and target animals.2. Laboratory staff is trained to perform all necessaryexaminations.Contract 5 Samples are collected and tested for rabies detectionand vaccine intake control

1. Rabies eradication programmecompliant with the Council Decision90/638/EEC.2. 3 veterinary officials central office ofVFB and 20 officials from local officeshave been trained and receivedcertificates.3. 800 veterinarians trained byveterinary officials.Bulletins, press releases and seminars

for informing general public andhunting organisations prepared.

Contract 25. 1 950 000 baites of vaccine forvaccination purchased.6.Long term contract with the producerof vaccine baites in use.Contract 37 Total of 1 950 000 Vaccine baitsdistributed in proper area twice a yearfor three yearsContract 48. The equipment for detection of rabiesand intake of vaccine baites is installedand in use.9. one pathologist and one virologistfrom central laboratory trainedContract 53600 samples collected by hunters.

• Quarterly project reports• Project monitoring and

evaluation report in theend of project

• Quarterly and annualreports of VFB andVFL on the results ofinvestigations

• Beneficiary evaluationsheets after everycomponent iscompleted

• Co-operation with press.

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Activities Means Cost (€) AssumptionsContract 1

Twinning light

a) assistance to elaborate rabies eradication programme for theyears 2003 – 2005;b) assistance in organising of training for veterinary officials andveterinarians concerning rabies eradiction and samplingprocedures;c) assistance in preparation of training materials;d) assistance in preparation of bulletins for informing generalpublic and hunting organisations

Study tour to EU Member State for getting an experience incomposing and implementation of the rabies eradicationprogramme.

Training of veterinary officials and veterinarians. Trainingveterinary officials in sampling procedures of animals suspectedto be infected with rabies and also of control animals to evaluatebait-intake.The number of trained veterinary officials is the following:central office of VFB - 3, local offices – 20. The trainedveterinariy officials will train 200 authorised veterinarians andapprocimately 600 licensed veterinarians.

Publishing and distribution of bulletins, press releases.Publishing and distribution of rabies related infosheets topublicity before each vaccine distribution period. Informingpublicity via mass media before each vaccine distribution period.

Study tours

Reserve

Contract 2

STA for 1 mmShort term expert (1wm over 4consecutive months, including 1-2longer periods (duration at least 1 week)in autumn 2002 and short visits forparticipation in training courses in2003)

Project leader

STA for 14 working days

Phare18 000

16 000

22 400

20 000

Estonia

11 300

• Necessary human resourcesare available

• timely availability of expertsand Phare funds

• Timely distribution of baites• Reporting about suspected animals• Co-operation with hunting

organisations for getting samplingmaterial from target animals

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Procurement and provision of vaccine baites neededfor each vaccination cycle (ensurement of theconsinstency of supplement, proper storage andtransportation facilities).

Contract 3

Distribution of vaccine baites by plane according tothe procedures and density prescribed by theeradication programme.

Contract 41. Procurement of the equipment for assessment ofsamples from suspected and target animals. (1 bonemicrotom with nessessary additional equipment, twofreezers for storage of samples Feasibility study hasbeen requested from PPTMF and will be ready inSeptember 2002.2. Training of laboratory staff to perform necessaryexaminationsTraining of 1 laboratory specialist of pathology in the preparationof bone fractions, detection of tetratcycline in samples and 1laboratory specialist of virology in testing autolysed samplestaken in field conditions by ELISA. (training periodapproximately two weeks per trainee).

Contract 5Collection of samples for rabies detection and vaccineintake controlAs price for foxes and racoon dogs skins are extemlylow at the present moment, it is necessary tosubsidizehunting of these animals to collect samples. As one

Supply contract

Service contract

Supply contract

Service contract

5 400

2 300

1 640 600

346 000

12 0005 000

18 900

546 900

116 300

5 400

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bullet costs approximately 4 Euros, at least equivalentsum of money should be available to obtain sample ofone animal. Testing of one sample for detection ofmarker costs approximately 7 EUR.

20 700

Preconditions1. Training materials will be

prepared before the training isstarted, by the VFB within theframework of twinning lightcomponent.

2. Two laboratory specialists haveto be contracted before trainingcan commence.

3. Logframe to be revised andresubmitted to ECD for approvalat Covenant stage

4. Project Leader to be nominated

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before Covenant stage bybeneficiary

5. Memorandum of understandingbetween VFB and VFL will besigned before the project starts.

1.

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Annex 2 IMPLEMENTATION CHARTProject No:Project Title: Minimalisation of number of rabies cases among wild and domestic animals in Estonia

2002 2003 2004J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D

Contract 1Twinning light

T T C I I I I I

Contract 2 T T T T T T T C I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Contract 3 T T T T T T T C I I I I I IContract 4 T T T T T T T C I I I IContract 5 T T T T T T T C I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

2005J F M A M J J A S O N D

Contract 1Contract 2 I I I I I I I I I

Contract 3Contract 4Contract 5 I I I I I I I I I

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ANNEX 3 ACUMULATIVE CONTRACTING SCHEDULEProject No:Project Title: Minimalisation of number of rabies cases among wild and domestic animals in Estonia

2002 2003Date

31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12 31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12Contract 1 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100Contract 2 1 640 600 1 640 600Contract 3 346 000 346 000Contract 4 17 000 17 000Contract 5 18 900 18 900TOTAL 84.100 84 100 84 100 2 106 600 2 106 600

2004 2005 TOTALDate

31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12 31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12Contract 1 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100 84.100Contract 2 1 640

6001 640

6001 640

6001 640

6001 640

6001 640

6001 640

6001 640

6001 640 600

Contract 3 346 000 346 000 346 000 346 000 346 000 346 000 346 000 346 000 346 000Contract 4 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000Contract 5 18 900 18 900 18 900 18 900 18 900 18 900 18 900 18 900 18 900TOTAL 2 106 600 2 106 600 2 106 600 2 106 600 2 106 600 2 106 600 22 106

6002 106 600 2 106 600

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ANNEX 3 BCUMULATIVE DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULEProject No:Project Title: Minimalisation of number of rabies cases among wild and domestic animals in Estonia

2002 81 300Date

31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12 31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12Contract 1 20 000 60 000 84 100 84 100 84 100Contract 2 500 000 1 000 000Contract 3 35 000 70 000Contract 4 17 000 17 000Contract 5 2 300 4 600TOTAL 20 000 60 000 84 100 638 400 1 175

700

2004 2005 TOTALDate

31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12 31.03 30.06 30.09 31.12Contract 1 84 100 84 100 84 100 84 100 84 100 84 100 84 100 84 100 84 100Contract 2 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600 1 640 600Contract 3 105 000 140 000 190 000 250 000 275 000 325 000 346 000 346 000 346 000Contract 4 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000 17 000Contract 5 6 900 9200 11 500 13 800 15 100 17 400 18 900 18 900 18 900TOTAL 1 853 600 1 890 900 1 943 200 2 005 500 2 031 800 2 081300 2 106 600 2 106 600 2 106 600

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ANNEX 4REFERENCE TO FEASIBILITY /PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDIES.

ANNEX 5LIST OF RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS

A. Relevant legislation of European Union.

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1. 90/638/EEC: Council Decision of 27 November 1990 laying down Communitycriteria for the eradication and monitoring of certain animal diseases2. Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 laying down animal healthrequirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ovaand embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Communityrules referred to in Annex A (I) to Directive 90/425/EEC3. 90/424/EEC: Council Decision of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field

B. Relevant legislaton of Estonian Republic

1. Veterinary Service Act (RT I 2002, 13, 79)2.Infectious Animal Disease Act (RT I 2002, 13, 80)Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 67 “Rabies Control Rules” of 20 November

2000 (RTL 2000, 120, 1876)

ANNEX 6

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DETAILED FINANCIAL CALCULATION FOR YEARS 2003-2005

2003 2004 2005 TotalVaccine baits 841346 673077 673077 2187500Distribution 213301 140064 140064 493429Storage of vaccine 6410 6410 6410 19230Hunting of test animals 25641 25641 25641 76923Laboratory testing 12821 12821 12821 38463Transport 5898 5898 5898 17694Bulletins, press releases,infocheets 8548 8548 8548 25645Laboratory equipment(bone microtom, 1;freezers, 2) 16026 - - 16026Training for laboratorystaff 6410 - - 6410Training of officials,veterinarians, study tour,info-days for hunters 16015 4810 4810 25635Short term expert 18000 - - 18000Project leader 16000 - - 16000Reserve - -Total 1186416 877269 877269 2940955

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ANNEX 7

BACKGROUND, ILLUSTRATING TABLES

Species / year 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001Dog 63,591 64,697 53,523 62,120 75,361 71,388Cat 3,145 5,023 6,264 9,697 17,717 22,820Bovine 1,262 737 864 1,307 954 885Sheep 0 35 27 23 107 105Horse 1 26 100 94 86 109Pig 10 8TOTAL 67,999 70,518 60,778 73,241 94,235 95,315

Table 1. Vaccination of domestic animals in 1996–2001.

Red foxes Racoon dogs

Year

Totalanimals

Huntedanimals

Animalsper km2 offorest

Totalanimals

Huntedanimals

Animalsper km2 offorest

1980 4,100 1,103 0.2 3,000 757 0.11992 7,100 2,400 0.3 7,200 2,800 0.31995 8,900 3,326 0.35 7,200 1,723 0.31996 3,200 0.35 3,200 0.31997 8,700 3,156 0.35 6,500 1,516 0.251998 9,500 4,179 0.38 8,000 1,479 0.31999 10,000 4,508 0.4 10,000 1,925 0.42000 5,022 0.4 2,222 0.4

Table 2. Population and hunting of red foxes and racoon dogs in 1980–2000.

Farmanimals

Dogs, cats Red foxes Racoondogs

Other wildanimals

TOTAL

YEAR 99 00 01 99 00 01 99 00 01 99 00 01 99 00 01 99 00 01Harjumaa 4 4 1 8 5 10 1 2 8 1 14 7 23Hiiumaa 0 0 0I-Virumaa 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 5 1 4Jõgevamaa 3 1 3 1 3 1 9 3 0Järvamaa 4 1 1 6 9 5 9 1 1 16 19Läänemaa 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 4 3 5L-Virumaa 1 1 3 1 7 3 6 1 5 1 17Põlvamaa 1 2 2 2 2 9 6 2 5 8 1 6 16 18Pärnumaa 3 1 2 2 1 4 6 5 3 2 1 10 11 9Raplamaa 2 1 1 5 2 5 2 5 1 9 5 11Saaremaa 1 1 2 0 0Tartumaa 1 3 2 11 6 17 8 5 15 2 1 24 12 35Valgamaa 4 8 3 4 2 6 7 1 3 4 16 23 3Viljandimaa 1 2 1 1 4 2 4 7 3 1 3 9 14

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Võrumaa 1 2 4 4 2 4 16 4 1 1 2 2 1 12 23 9TOTAL 5 5 12 26 15 18 52 65 74 29 26 60 8 2 3 120 131 167

Table 3. Comparative data on rabies infections across species in Estonian counties in1999–2001.

Location of rabies cases in 2001

Year Cases Year Cases Year Cases1947 1 1951 1 1984 11948 2 1952 3 1985 11949 5 1953 3 1986 11950 8 1955 1

Table 4. Rabies infections of humans in Estonia across years since World War 2.

Year Red foxes Racoon dogsOther wildanimals TOTAL

1998 45% 22% 4% 71%1999 43% 24% 7.5% 74.5%2000 49.5% 20% 2% 71.5%2001 44.3% 35.9% 1.8% 82%

Table 5. Rabies infections in wild animals as percentage of total rabies infections in allanimals in 1998–2001.

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2000 2001number cost number cost

Analyses with bio-assay 157 5838 162 6024Analyses without bio-assay 172 2294 257 3427Total analyses 329 8131 419 9450Vaccinations (state vaccine) 87,021 73912 85,628 72729TOTAL COSTS 90175 EUR 91630 EUR

Table 6. Costs incurred under the state programme for rabies prevention in 2000–2001.