Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and various wild species. Characterized by fever, blisters, and lameness, it causes significant morbidity but low mortality in adults. FMD poses serious global economic and social challenges, impacting agricultural productivity, food security, and trade.
Recent outbreaks have led to substantial economic losses, reduced milk and meat production, and extensive control measures such as culling and movement restrictions. These actions disrupt livestock markets and trade, heavily affecting rural communities reliant on livestock.
FMD strains livestock businesses and international trade due to strict import and export controls. The economic burden includes outbreak management, vaccination, and biosecurity measures. While FMD is not zoonotic, its impact on livestock can cause food shortages and higher prices, especially in regions dependent on animal products. Robust control and prevention strategies are essential to mitigate these impacts.
FAO's role
FAO plays a critical role in combating FMD through initiatives focused on surveillance, prevention, and control. A primary focus is the implementation of the Global FMD Control Strategy, where FAO collaborates with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) through the Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs).
⦿ FAO supports vaccination and prevention by facilitating the procurement and distribution of vaccines and promoting biosecurity measures to control FMD spread. It provides guidance on best practices for livestock management and disease prevention to help mitigate risks.
⦿ FAO provides training programmes for veterinary services to enhance their diagnostic and response capabilities. It strengthens laboratory networks to improve the ability to diagnose FMD and respond to outbreaks promptly and effectively.
⦿ Working with international and regional organizations, such as WOAH and the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD), FAO supports the implementation of comprehensive control strategies. FAO assists in formulating policies and advocates for measures that ensure food security and economic stability.
⦿ In times of FMD outbreaks, FAO provides crucial emergency response support, including technical assistance and resource mobilization for affected countries.
Did you know?
⦿ FMD is caused by several serotypes of the aphthovirus (O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3), each requiring different vaccines.
⦿ It affects animals but is not zoonotic, meaning it rarely infects humans.
⦿ The disease spreads quickly within and between regions due to its high transmissibility and environmental persistence.
⦿ FMD is prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
⦿ Control measures include vaccination, biosecurity, and sometimes culling and movement restrictions.
Related links
Early warning and disease intelligence
Biosecurity in terrestrial animal value chains
Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH)
The European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD)
Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs)
FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD)
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