Strengthening animal disease surveillance in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Located along the Mekong River, Lao People’s Democratic Republic faces persistent risks from transboundary animal diseases due to its geographical location and close ties with neighboring countries. Diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza and African swine fever continue to pose significant threats, exacerbated by the growing demand for livestock trade across border. However, early detection and timely response remain key to minimizing disease spread, protecting animal and public health, while ensuring food systems.

The livestock sector plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, with 52 percent of households engaged in cattle farming. In 2021, animal exports accounted for 21 percent of the agricultural exports, highlighting its significance for livelihoods and economic growth. However, gaps in disease surveillance and response threaten the stability of this vital sector, which already struggles to meet 49 percent of domestic demand, leaving untapped opportunities in high-demand markets from neighboring countries.

FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), in partnership with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) and with support from the United States of America’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted a mission in October 2024 to assess the country’s animal disease surveillance systems. Using FAO’s Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET), the team engaged with stakeholders from laboratories and veterinary services, public health agencies and local communities, reflecting a One Health approach to understanding the realities of animal disease surveillance in the country.

FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), in partnership with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) and with support from the United States of America’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted a mission in October 2024 to assess the country’s animal disease surveillance systems. Using FAO’s Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET), the team engaged with stakeholders from laboratories and veterinary services, public health agencies and local communities, reflecting a One Health approach to understanding the realities of animal disease surveillance in the country.

The team interviews and collects information from the local stakeholders in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Left: © FAO. Right: © FAO/Khamphok Phitacthep

"The SET mission is critical for identifying gaps and strengthening surveillance systems in this country," remarked Supatsak Subharat, the Team Leader of the FAO ECTAD in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. "It enhances preparedness and mitigates risks such as disease outbreaks, economic losses in the livestock sector, threats to food security and public health crises."

Identifying gaps and path forward

The assessment highlighted areas for improvement, including the need to update surveillance objectives and plans for newly prioritized diseases, enhance diagnostic capacities of subnational laboratories, and provide targeted training for community-level veterinary workers to equip them with the skills to respond effectively. Improved data management tools are also necessary to enable timely and reliable decision-making.

A draft action plan has been developed in partnership with the government. It proposes establishing steering and technical committees to guide surveillance strategies, expanding diagnostic capacities through a laboratory network and updating priority disease lists to focus resources where they are most needed. The plan also emphasizes empowering communities through targeted training programmes and improving communication channels as well as better data management for faster outbreak responses.

These steps mark progress in Lao People’s Democratic Republic efforts to strengthen its animal disease surveillance systems. This collaboration exemplifies the importance of coordinated action in combating health threats that extend beyond borders, ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for the nation’s people and its agrifood systems.