The capacity of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) to deliver rapid and accurate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) diagnosis is critical for an effective emergency response. The FMD outbreaks in Europe in 2025 highlighted the need for NRLs to consistently maintain a core set of validated diagnostic methods and technical expertise. This ensures that laboratories can accurately determine the infection or disease status of tested animals, interpreting results within the appropriate epidemiological context.

Strengthening laboratory capacities to respond to FMD and other FAST (Foot-and-mouth and Similar Transboundary Disease) crises is one of the three strategic objectives of the EuFMD work programme. Under this objective, activities focus on supporting Member Nations (MNs) in sustaining and improving their laboratory technical capabilities. To achieve this, EuFMD works closely with the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for FMD to identify knowledge gaps and training needs. The EURL continuously monitors and evaluates NRL performance through annual proficiency testing (PT). Insights from multiple PT editions, combined with recent epidemiological developments in Europe, indicate that NRLs would benefit from refresher training on the selection of FMD diagnostic tests and the interpretation of test results.

The key objective of this workshop is to refresh and/or improve participants’ knowledge on proper selection of testing methods for FMD and interpretation of obtained test results in relation to a given epidemiological context.