The Middle East launches a 2026-2030 foot-and-mouth-disease strategy

FAO, member countries and regional partners launch the Middle East Foot-and-Mouth Disease Prevention and Control Strategy 2026-2030 online today. FMD is a major transboundary animal disease affecting livestock production, food security, livelihoods and trade. Movement of animals and animal products, combined with uneven national capacity for surveillance, vaccination, preparedness and response, enables recurrent cross-border spread. The strategy joins sustained national work with regional coordination, information sharing and collaboration, involving reference laboratories, development partners and technical experts. What is confirmed today is the strategy's launch and coordination structure, not disease control. Meaningful acceptance measures include surveillance coverage, laboratory turnaround, vaccine matching, notification speed, cross-border exercises and changes in farmer losses.