In 2009, the chief veterinary officers of 10 Western Mediterranean countries (Algeria, Egypt, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia) created a common framework for work and cooperation, having the necessary capabilities to assist and coordinate the development and implementation of animal health regional projects and programs: the Mediterranean Animal Health Network (REseau MEditerranéen de Santé Animale – REMESA).

In 2013, the chief veterinary officers of Malte, Chypre and Greece joined the Network. Jordan and Lebanon joined the Network in 2014.

The specific objective of REMESA is the improvement of prevention and control against the major transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses through the strengthening of the national and regional resources and capacities, the harmonization and coordination of surveillance and control activities.

4 thematic sub-networks have been set up : laboratories (RELABSA), epidemiology (REPIVET), communication (RECOMSA) and socioeconomics (RESEPSA).