Resource Mobilization

Strengthening control of foot-and-mouth disease in Mozambique

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is prevalent in Mozambique and livestock farmers who entirely rely on the well-being and marketability of their animals need to be protected from severe economic losses caused by movement restrictions related to the disease. The project aimed to contribute to the development of capacities to better tackle the progressive control and eradication of FMD and help improve the animal health situation in the country.

What did the project do

The capacities of government, veterinary professionals and livestock farmers were improved by establishing institutions, procedures and surveillance systems for the control of FMD, preparing strategies to control the movement of animal and livestock products, and assessing the existing legislation to control FMD and other priority diseases. An important part of the project was the organization of educational, communication and advocacy strategies and awareness campaigns to improve FMD knowledge, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of FMD. Training workshops and courses were held with veterinary professionals, farmers, local leaders and other relevant stakeholders enhancing their knowledge and skills on the control of FMD.

Impact

Training on FMD enabled a large number of professionals, community leaders, livestock farmers and animal health workers to recognize and report any suspicious of FMD, as well as to take the necessary measures to prevent its spread. Specifically, strategies, legislation and guidance documents for surveillance, vaccination and control of animal movements were developed and contributed to the enhanced control of FMD. The revision of national legislation related to animal health, conducted by an independent consultancy, enabled a wide range discussion involving all stakeholders related to animal health and animal production. Livestock farmers and communities are now able to generate income through secure access of their animals in markets which, consequently, provides economic sustainability.

Activities

  • Requirements for Stage 1 of the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) met.
  • Establishment of institutions and procedures for the control of FMD and revision and improvement of existing legislation.
  • Network for epidemiological surveillance of FMD and other diseases in Maputo and Gaza provinces established.
  • Documents for controlling movements of animals and animal products prepared and approved.
  • Strategy for FMD vaccination in Maputo and Gaza provinces developed and approved.
  • Strategic program for education, communication and advocacy on FMD control prepared and approved.
  • Capacity of veterinary professionals, livestock farmers, local leaders and government on FMD surveillance, diagnosis and
    control enhanced.
Project symbol: TCP/MOZ/3501
Project title: Strengthening the progressive control of FMD in Mozambique (Maputo and Gaza provinces)
Contact: FAO Office in Mozambique
Email: [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bs936e.pdf