Preparation of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Contingency Plans

by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most serious transboundary animal diseases. It is a highly contagious viral disease, and may have rapid and unanticipated national and international spread. Although not a very lethal disease for adult animals, it can cause crippling socio-economic consequences, through high production and trade losses. This manual provides information on the nature of FMD and the principles and strategic options for its prevention, control and elimination. Guidelines are provided for individual countries threatened by FMD to formulate their overall national policy on control and eradication of a possible incursion of the disease.

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates into English as "let there be bread". As of 8 August 2013, FAO has 194 member states, along with the European Union (a "member organization"), and the Faroe Islands and Tokelau, which are associate members.