The European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease(EuFMD), established in 1954, has been at the forefront of combating foot-and-mouth disease across Europe. It operates under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Its mission is multifaceted:

1. Emergency Preparedness: the EuFMD collaborates closely with its 39 Member Nations to enhance their preparedness for foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Swift action during emergencies is crucial to prevent further spread.

2. European Neighbourhood: beyond its Member Nations, the EuFMD extends its reach to 20 priority European neighbourhood countries. These collaborative efforts aim to establish sustainable control programmes and curb the disease's impact.

3. Global Strategy Advocacy: the EuFMD actively supports and promotes the global strategy for progressive control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. This involves close partnerships with key stakeholders, including the European Commission, the FAO, and the World Organization for Animal Health.

Evolution and Mandate

Over the past 70 years, EuFMD has adapted to changing circumstances and the growing needs of its ever-expanding membership.Read more about its history and how the EuFMD has evolved. Its mandate is rooted in a Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and Financial Regulations. They  define the Commission's structure, governance, funding mechanisms, and operational guidelines.

Core Focus: Prevention and Control of FMD

Although the EuFMD's remit has expanded, preventing and controlling foot-and-mouth disease remains a core focus. By advising, coordinating, and supporting its Member Nations, EuFMD contributes significantly to safeguarding Europe's livestock and agricultural sectors.

Move FAST – Get Prepared Strategy 2023–2027

EuFMD's forward-looking strategy, Move FAST – Get Prepared, outlines three key Focus Objectives, under which seven Action Areas are implemented, according to eight principles, to ensure a safer Europe from the daily threat of FAST diseases.