Advancing foot-and-mouth disease prevention in the Middle East - Launch of the Regional Strategy 2026-2030

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with regional and international partners and Member countries, has jointly launched the Middle East Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Prevention and Control Strategy 2026–2030 during a virtual event held on 29 September 2026. The Strategy provides a common regional framework to strengthen prevention, preparedness, surveillance and control of one of the most important transboundary animal diseases affecting livestock production across the region.

The new Strategy covers 14 countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. It was developed through a participatory and consultative process involving Member Countries and regional and international partners.

FMD continues to pose significant risks to livestock production, food security, livelihoods and trade in the Middle East. The movement of animals and animal products across borders, combined with differences in national capacities for surveillance, vaccination, preparedness and outbreak response, creates an ongoing risk of cross-border transmission and recurrent outbreaks.

“Foot-and-mouth disease does not stop at borders, and neither should our efforts to prevent and control it. The launch of this Strategy marks an important step towards a more coordinated regional approach, bringing countries and partners together around shared priorities, stronger preparedness and collective action. By working together, we can better protect livestock, livelihoods and food security across the region,” said Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.

“Effective control of FMD requires strong veterinary systems, reliable surveillance and the capacity to act quickly when risks emerge. This Strategy provides countries with a shared framework to strengthen these foundations and to promote greater alignment of national and regional efforts. Building on decades of experience in addressing transboundary animal diseases,, FAO has initiated the Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD), a country-owned framework that brings partners together, facilitates collaboration and connects shared priorities with coordinated action and investment. FAO stands ready to support countries in translating the Strategy into practical action,” said Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director-General, Director of FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) and Chief Veterinarian.

Presenting the Strategy, Mohammed Bengoumi, Animal Production and Health Officer at FAO’s Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, highlighted its vision, objectives and implementation framework. He emphasized the collaborative process behind its development and its focus on strengthening regional coordination, national capacities, knowledge and information sharing, and supporting countries in reducing the impact of FMD through coordinated action and sustained partnerships.

“The successful prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases depends on cooperation, transparency and timely exchange of information among countries. The Middle East FMD Strategy provides an important platform for strengthening regional collaboration and supporting countries in their efforts to reduce the risks and impacts of FMD,” said Ahmad Al Majali, WOAH Regional Representative for the Middle East.

Regional organizations will play an important role in supporting implementation of the Strategy and strengthening cooperation among countries and technical partners.

“Agriculture and livestock are central to the livelihoods and food security of communities across the Arab region. Strengthening cooperation to prevent and control FMD is therefore an important contribution to protecting agricultural production, trade and rural livelihoods. AOAD is committed to supporting regional collaboration and coordinated implementation of the Strategy,” said Samah Eid, Deputy Director-General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD).

The Strategy also reflects the importance of sustained technical cooperation and coordination with specialized partners, including the European Commission for the Control of foot-and-mouth Disease (EuFMD).

“The Middle East has made important progress in strengthening its approach to FMD, but sustained coordination is essential to address the continued risk of transboundary spread. The new Strategy provides a valuable regional framework for bringing together national efforts, technical expertise and partnerships around common priorities for prevention, preparedness and control,” said Shahin Baiomy, Risk Management Technical Specialist, delivering remarks on behalf of EuFMD.

The event also aimed to reinforce regional commitment, identify opportunities for technical cooperation and resource mobilization, and agree on priority follow-up actions.

From strategy to implementation

The launch featured a panel discussion focusing on how to translate the Strategy into effective and sustainable implementation. Panelists highlighted the importance of strong country ownership, sustained regional cooperation and practical follow-up mechanisms to deliver tangible results on the ground.

Madhur Dhingra, Global Lead for Animal Health Intelligence and Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases and Secretary of the FAO-WOAH Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), underscored the importance of linking regional implementation with global FMD initiatives, technical networks and strategic partnerships, while mobilizing the resources needed to support implementation over the coming years. She emphasized FAO’s continued commitment to working with countries and regional partners to support implementation and strengthen collective action against FMD.

In her closing remarks, Junxia Song, FAO Deputy Chief Veterinarian and Chief of the One Health and Disease Control Animal Production and Health Division, emphasized that successful implementation will require sustained political commitment, strong veterinary services, evidence-based decision-making, and continued investment in regional cooperation, capacity development and knowledge sharing. She also underscored the importance of linking the Strategy with FAO GPP-TAD to support coordinated action and investments against FMD.

The Strategy is expected to contribute to stronger regional collaboration and increased commitment among countries and partners to preventing and controlling FMD and reducing its impact and risks across the Middle East.