Veterinarians and laboratory staff receive FAO specialized training to improve surveillance and diagnosis of the disease threatening livestock productivity

Foot-and-mouth disease is severely affecting livestock productivity in Ghana, disrupting regional and international trade in animals and animal products. The most significant impact of this disease in low- and middle-income countries is the loss of production, utility, and income, which collectively affect livelihoods and impact the food security and nutrition of farmers.

To address this challenge, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the United States of America, conducted a comprehensive training program, provideding a practical and integrated framework to strengthen foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) surveillance through capacity development of 31 frontline veterinarians, laboratory personnel, and central-level epidemiologists, using FMD as a model disease and emphasizing synergies of surveillance activities with other transboundary animal diseases.

“This training marks a significant step forward in strengthening Ghana’s capacity to detect and respond to foot-and-mouth disease and other transboundary animal diseases. By building the skills of frontline veterinarians and laboratory experts, we are not only protecting animal health but also safeguarding livelihoods, food security, and regional trade. FAO remains committed to supporting Ghana’s efforts to advance along the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD and to strengthening resilient animal health systems.” Said Priya Gujadhur, FAO Representative to Ghana.

"This training program is crucial for Ghana, as it will allow us to advance on the Progressive Control Pathway for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and strengthen our national disease surveillance system. Improving our diagnostic and surveillance capacities will not only benefit foot-and-mouth disease control but will also strengthen our response to other transboundary animal diseases”. Said Dr. Mabel Abudu, representative of the Director of Veterinary Services of Ghana.

During the 3rd GF-TADs West Africa FMD Roadmap Meeting held virtually in 2021, Ghana was assessed at provisional stage one of the Progressive Control Pathway for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (PCP-FMD) and highlighted the need to strengthen its disease surveillance system and diagnostic capabilities. This training program directly responds to that need, providing practical training to 25 field veterinarians and six laboratory staff members, equipping them with the necessary skills to recognize, report, investigate, and diagnose foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.

The program is funded by DTRA and is organized by the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and FAO Emergency Prevention and Response System (EMPRES), in coordination with the national veterinary authorities of Ghana. This initiative is part of the Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control Strategy developed by FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2012, which seeks to progressively reduce the burden of FMD globally.