FAO Virtual Learning Center Launches Online Course on Sheep and Goat Pox Preparedness for the Near East and North Africa Region

The FAO Virtual Learning Center (VLC) of the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) has launched a comprehensive online course aimed at addressing one of the region's priority animal diseases: Sheep Pox and Goat Pox (SGP). The course, hosted on the VLC’s Moodle platform, is designed to equip veterinarians and animal health professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to combat these highly contagious and economically significant diseases. The original content for this course was developed by the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), with contributions from leading subject matter experts.

A Critical Regional Challenge

“Sheep Pox and Goat Pox (SGP) are endemic diseases in many parts of the Near East and North Africa. Their socio-economic impact is particularly severe for smallholder farmers who rely heavily on sheep and goats for their livelihoods. These diseases not only result in significant trade restrictions but also cause severe economic losses, threatening food security and exacerbating poverty,” said Dr. Friederike Mayen, FAO Senior Livestock Development Officer in the Near East and North Africa Regional Office.

“Effective control measures, including vaccination, surveillance, and regional cooperation, are vital to mitigate these impacts. Veterinary professionals and enhanced veterinary services play a critical role in this effort. FAO’s work in SGP control aligns with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable agricultural development,” she added.

Course Details and Structure

The four-week, tutored course provides an in-depth overview of Sheep Pox and Goat Pox, focusing on critical aspects of disease management, including clinical diagnosis, laboratory procedures, epidemiology, and outbreak control. The course includes six interactive modules that cover:

• Clinical and pathological diagnosis
• Sampling and laboratory diagnostics
• Epidemiology and outbreak investigation
• Control and eradication strategies
• Surveillance and monitoring

The course also offers opportunities for hands-on learning through case studies, multimedia content, and self-test questions. The course is delivered by leading poxvirus experts, Dr. Eva Tuppurainen and Dr. Ausama Yousif Attia, who bring years of experience in the field.

Widespread Regional Participation

Launched on October 8, 2024, the course has attracted 475 participants from 19 countries across the region, including veterinarians from both the public and private sectors, laboratory specialists, and academic representatives. The bilingual, online format ensures accessibility for participants, even those with time constraints or located in remote areas.

The course features live webinars, interactive discussions, and expert presentations. One of the key highlights of the course was the closing webinar, which included an in-depth panel discussion on the course's key topics, followed by a country experience shared by Dr. Germán Cáceres Garrido from Spain, providing valuable insights into the country’s approach to SGP control.

Enhancing Regional Capacities

The FAO Virtual Learning Centers play a pivotal role in enhancing the regional delivery of online training. These centers are designed to offer inclusive, high-quality, and interactive training that addresses the specific needs of the region. By bridging knowledge gaps and strengthening the capacity of veterinary professionals, the VLCs contribute to improving the effectiveness of disease control and promoting regional cooperation on animal health issues.

The course is part of FAO’s ongoing commitment to providing targeted, high-impact training to strengthen regional health systems and enhance the capacity of veterinary services across the Near East and North Africa.