Open Session 2024 of the EuFMD Standing Technical Committee
29-31 October 2024, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
Welcome to OS24
It is my pleasure, as Executive Secretary of the EuFMD, to invite you all to the Open Session 2024 "FAST disease risks in a changing world - From megatrends to microlearning".
We hope to provide a platform for you all, from vets, to researchers, from students to experts, from vaccine producers to biosecurity practitioners, to share your knowledge and experiences, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This conference will surely foster collaboration and cooperation, and lead to new insights and innovative solutions.
Over the course of the conference, we will be discussing a wide range of topics, including the latest research on foot-and-mouth disease and similar transboundary animal diseases, the development of new diagnostics, and vaccines and the implementation of more effective disease control strategies. On day 3, in our joint session with the Global FMD Research Alliance, we will explore some of the bigger questions at the intersection of FMD science and FMD policy-making.
In addition to the formal sessions, we have also planned various social events and networking opportunities, which we hope will provide a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants.
We hope that you find the conference informative, engaging, and enjoyable, and that you leave with new insights, new connections, and a renewed commitment to the important work that lies ahead.
- Donal Sammin, Executive Secretary, EuFMD
As chair of the Standing Technical Committee it is my privilege, on behalf of my colleagues, to welcome you to the Open Session of our Committee.
Our theme resonates with urgency: understanding and mitigating FMD risks in our dynamic world.
Why Are We Here? Foot-and-mouth disease remains a formidable challenge. But today, we transcend boundaries, embracing a holistic approach. Our collective mission is clear: to safeguard livestock, economies, and communities.
The EuFMD’s Standing Technical Committee relies on a competent, motivated and high-level team and the Open Session is a key opportunity for all those involved in the fight against FMD and transboundary diseases to meet and exchange the latest knowledge on the control, surveillance, prevention and management of these diseases.
We look forward to seeing you at OS24 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
- Stephan Zientara, Chair of the Standing Technical Committee of the EuFMD
The Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Alliance (GFRA) is thrilled to join forces with the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease for this conference.
Our topic will be "Advancing FMD Control through Collaborative Research and Regulatory Synergy".
Our goals include:
- Collaborative Research: let’s unite researchers, veterinarians, policymakers, and industry experts.
- Regulatory Synergy: effective regulation is our linchpin.
- Policymaking: evidence-based policies protect animals and humans alike.
One Health Approach: FMD is interconnected with human health and the environment. What is the cost/benefit analysis of controlling FMD for different socioeconomical and ecological settings? Let’s discuss risk assessment, zoning, safe practices and FMD impacts international trade.
What are the regulatory and practical issues arising with the use of POC strategies and other emerging diagnostic tools? Surveillance and Early Detection: Swift outbreak detection matters. Can technology revolutionize our surveillance systems?
Discover the latest advancements in FMD vaccines: novel inactivated and VLP-based vaccines, what are the current approaches and their regulatory issues? How can we optimize vaccination campaigns? Are live-attenuated vaccines a feasible option in the regulatory framework? Let’s embrace a holistic perspective to ensure we have impact on vulnerable societies as well as in developed regions.
Driven by selected experts in the field, three sessions will engage meeting delegates in discussion on:
- why we should control FMD? and how we achieve this with
- improved diagnostics, and
- novel vaccines as essential tools.
Our collaboration promises new horizons in FMD control.
- GFRA