Virtual Training to Combat Lumpy Skin Disease in North Africa

The role of social cash transfers in fostering broad-based economic development in Malawi.
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Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has emerged as a significant Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) in recent years. Initially confined to sub-Saharan Africa, its rapid spread since the 1990s has reached the Middle East, Europe, the Balkans, Russia, and more recently parts of Asia. In the summer of 2024, North Africa was threatened by LSD, with the disease first reported in Algeria and Tunisia, following its emergence in Libya the previous year. The virus now poses an increasing risk to Morocco and potentially to European countries. In response, North African countries have initiated cattle vaccination campaigns to reduce the threat to livestock. LSD severely impacts cattle production, causing economic losses through reduced milk and beef production, hide damage, infertility, and the cost of control measures, disrupting trade, food security, and livelihoods.
To support veterinary professionals in North Africa tackle this growing threat, the FAO Virtual Learning Center (VLC) for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) , in collaboration with the FAO Subregional Office for North Africa, has launched a French-language virtual training course on LSD preparedness. The course, developed by the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) with EuFMD and the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute in Germany, has been adapted for North Africa. It provides flexible, self-paced learning with opportunities for interaction with regional and international experts. The course aims to strengthen the capacity of veterinary professionals in detecting, diagnosing, and responding to LSD outbreaks. “FAO remains fully committed to assisting and supporting Member Nations in enhancing their preparedness and capabilities for management, on outbreaks and long term control” said Mohammed Bengoumi, Animal Production Health Officer at FAO-SNE. “This virtual training on LSD preparedness is a timely and valuable addition to existing courses on transboundary animal diseases and will strengthen regional response efforts.”
Course Details
The online course’s duration is12 hours over four weeks, with 240 participants attending from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. It began on December 3, 2024, with an interactive webinar where participants met the trainers and discussed the course content and regional LSD challenges. Through six modules and a case study, participants explore topics such as LSD impact, epidemiology, diagnosis, outbreak investigation, prevention, and control. Interactive materials and quizzes enhance the learning experience.
Trainers facilitate discussions through a forum, challenging participants with questions to deepen their understanding. The course concludes with a final assessment and a closing webinar addressing participants' most discussed topics. Those who complete the course satisfactorily receive a certificate.
About the FAO Virtual Learning Centers
The FAO Virtual Learning Centers (VLCs) are designed to improve regional delivery of online training, providing access to inclusive, high-quality education through a range of methodologies, including tutored courses, blended learning, webinars, and mobile learning. VLCs aim to fill regional knowledge gaps and respond to local needs, helping stakeholders develop critical competencies to tackle issues such as LSD and other transboundary diseases. "The Virtual Learning Center for the Near East and North Africa designs its courses based on training needs assessments and consultations with country focal points. This approach ensures that our programs align with regional needs and context," said Dr. Friederike Mayen, Senior Livestock Development Officer at FAO-RNE.
- For more information on the FAO Virtual Learning Centers, visit their websites: FAO VLCs: All courses
- FAO alerts countries in the Near East, North Africa, and Southern Europe to enhance preparedness for lumpy skin disease