FMD 2012 - Global Conference on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

The first Global Conference on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), ’The way towards global control’, was organized by OIE and FAO in Asuncion, Paraguay in June 2009. The participants of the Conference
formulated a set of recommendations and reiterated their strong support for a globally coordinated approach to FMD control. The recommendation N° 14 called for a pledging conference with the
participation of FMD free and affected countries, relevant organizations and donors, to support a global FMD control programme.
Under the umbrella of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), FAO and OIE jointly prepared a draft Global FmD control strategy. The proposed strategy will be finalized by the end of 2011 with the participation of member countries, regional organizations and experts. The Progressive Control Pathway (PCP) for FMD developed by FAO and OIE, and the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway and other standards provided by the OIE, are important tools to build and implement the Global FMD Control Strategy. Lessons learned from regions with advanced FMD control programmes will be fully incorporated. As demonstrated in several countries and regions, it is possible to control the spread of FMD and, under certain circumstances, to eliminate the disease. Important components of a successful strategy have been identified: effective public and private components of veterinary services ; proficient diagnostic laboratories; adequate quality-controlled vaccines and epidemio-surveillance systems; well-functioning private-public partnerships; preparedness and response plans; regional and global coordination mechanisms; and active research programmes to
improve on existing tools.
Joint Fao/oie Global conference on FmD control
The Global FMD Control Strategy will be presented at the Global Conference organized by FAO and OIE, with the active support of the Ministry of Agriculture of Thailand. The conference is scheduled in Bangkok, thailand, 27 through 29 June, 2012.
The conference will have a technical component and a pledging component. Experts will present an analysis of the global FMD situation, the socio-economic impact of the disease, the progress achieved with existing regional FMD control initiatives and ‘state of the art’ overviews regarding vaccines, diagnostic methods and current research. This will be followed by presentation of the Global FMD Control Strategy, the tools and methods it will employ and the gaps and needs that should be addressed to achieve sustainable progress. The budget required to implement the strategy during the first five years will also be presented. Donors and representatives of FMD-free and FMD-affected countries and regions will have an opportunity to present their views.
The conference is expected to attract over 400 participants, including Chief Veterinary Officers and Directors of Animal Production, representatives of regional organizations, donor agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and industry and agricultural producer organizations. Ministers and other decision makers will also be invited, in particular for the pledging component of the Conference.
A provisional programme of the conference and additional information will be published shortly