FAO urges stronger regional action against foot-and-mouth disease in Southern Africa

Victoria Falls – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States to step up collective action against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), as outbreaks continue to threaten livestock production, rural livelihoods, food security and trade across the region.

Speaking on behalf of FAO at the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Agriculture and Food Security, and Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr Elma Zanamwe, Project Coordinator of the European Union-funded ‘Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy Phase II (STOSAR II) Project,’ said stronger regional coordination is essential to contain the growing threat of FMD in Southern Africa.

“Transboundary animal diseases such as FMD demand collective action, strong leadership, sustainable financing and national ownership, because no country can tackle them effectively in isolation,” she said.

She added that, FAO, through the STOSAR II Project, is supporting Member States to strengthen surveillance, early warning, preparedness and coordinated response systems, while helping build more resilient animal health systems that protect livelihoods and livestock trade.

South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture and current Chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers Responsible for Agriculture and Food Security, and Fisheries and Aquaculture, John Steenhuisen, said 11 SADC Member States have reported FMD outbreaks, with serious consequences for livestock production, rural livelihoods, trade and regional food systems.

SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angèle Makombo N’Tumba said recent outbreaks have underscored the need for faster, coordinated regional measures to protect livestock-based livelihoods, trade and food security.

She called for stronger cross-border surveillance, harmonised vaccination strategies, better information sharing and increased resource mobilisation to improve the region’s response to FMD.

Strengthening preparedness and response

Through STOSAR II and other animal health initiatives, FAO is helping SADC Member States shift from reactive outbreak management to more coordinated, risk-based and preventive approaches. The support includes strengthening veterinary services, laboratory capacity, disease reporting systems and regional coordination mechanisms across the 16-member bloc.

FAO’s support is anchored in five priority areas:

• Prevention and progressive disease control;
• Digital surveillance, early warning and animal health innovation;
• Preparedness and risk-informed early action;
• Coordinated and rapid emergency response; and
• Legislation, partnerships and financing models.

FAO’s technical and convening role

FAO is combining global technical expertise, regional coordination and strategic partnerships to help Member States tackle transboundary animal diseases and strengthen animal health systems.

Working with the SADC Secretariat, national veterinary authorities, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), research institutions and development partners, FAO is supporting stronger animal health governance and deeper regional cooperation on disease control.

The organization is also supporting discussions on practical regional solutions, including improved vaccine access, stronger emergency preparedness mechanisms and sustainable financing arrangements to enable faster outbreak response.

Building resilient livestock systems

These efforts are helping countries reduce the economic and social costs of FMD, protect livestock-dependent livelihoods, strengthen food security and preserve access to regional and international markets.

FAO remains committed to working with governments, regional institutions and development partners to build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable livestock sector across Southern Africa.