EuFMD

Consistency and reliability of official controls is fundamental for disease surveillance. The variability in backgrounds and age of those involved has a potential to lead to discrepancies in the baseline knowledge. Here, 2 types of online teaching are shown which are easily deliverable to large cohorts at remote locations. The first format is a CPD designed as formative assessment and delivered on...

This research shows how Virtual Reality (VR) can be used as a biosecurity training tool to better equip animal industry workers to undertake emergency animal disease surveillance. A pilot training application for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) education using VR is being developed in 2 phases by Australian VR company Novus Res Pty Ltd in partnership with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fis...

The spread of infection amongst livestock depends not only on the traits of the pathogen and the livestock themselves but also on the veterinary health behaviours of farmers and how this impacts their implementation of disease control measures. Disease management practices employed by livestock owners can vary, due to differing responses to complex factors such as increased awareness of disease ri...

The occurrence of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) causes serious socio-economic consequences, as it affects productivity, welfare, livelihoods, food security and trade. Communities that mainly depend on livestock are the most vulnerable, and the consequences of TADs may vary within and across countries/areas depending on the disease and its spread, the structure of the livestock sector, the s...

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is an international epidemic disease that infects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and swine. FMD is one of the most highly contagious viral diseases that causes devastating economic losses. There are seven FMD viruses (FMDv) serotypes, O, A, Asia1, C, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3. The wide range of hosts, ability of small doses to infect, rapid replication, high levels of...

Environmental sampling enables disease surveillance beyond regular investigation of clinical cases, extending data on the circulation of a pathogen in a specific area. Developing straightforward, low technology methods suitable for use in field conditions is key to the inclusion of such approaches alongside traditional surveillance techniques. Here we present methods to improve the collection and...

This research was commissioned by the EUFMD and its partners, the Veterinary World Association and Health for Animals as part of the needs assessment to guide implementation of the project “Sustainable business in animal health through training of veterinary paraprofessionals. The project aims to increase livestock productivity among small holder farmers in Nigeria through competency and capacity...

Digital tools provide ample opportunities for fast communication, monitoring and quick risk assessment. A veterinary workforce that embraces new technologies and makes use of available tools can at large contribute to better preparedness and response to FAST disease outbreaks and beyond. Training, including digital training (DT), can hugely support the digital transformation of veterinary practice...

The SEACFMD campaign is a large, complex, and ambitious undertaking that aims to boost livestock productivity and economic output by controlling and eradicating FMD in South-East Asia, China, and Mongolia. Throughout the Campaign, a variety of learning resource materials for communication have been developed in conjunction with national veterinary services and partners. Various means of disseminat...

The research gives a new approach to the detection of foot and mouth disease (FMD) using deep learning techniques. The purpose of this study is to provide a timely and accurate early detection of FMD in cattle based on the symptoms. There is a shortage of veterinary specialists across the country due to brain drain which leaves farmer’s cattle vulnerable, timeous advice for the detection of FMD as...

Due to its potentially serious socio-economic impact, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the major threats to animal health and the livestock industry, drawing attention of veterinary authorities worldwide. Austria has not experienced an FMD outbreak over the past few decades however, due to the current trends in globalisation, it must be assumed that there is a constant risk of FMD intro...

Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) vaccine efficacy is often evaluated by virus neutralizing titers (VNT) in serum after vaccination, as a proxy to evaluate protection through challenge. However, screening of new vaccines or adjuvants calls for additional tools to predict protection, since there is a grey zone where VNT may not fully correlate to protection. Our aim in this study was to decipher...

Mizoram, a mountainous state nestling in the southern tip of the northeastern region of India, remains in constant threat of TADs, affecting the growth of livestock value chains. In recent years, the State suffered from Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) outbreak. Subsequently, the first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) emerged and is continuing. The existing initiatives wit...

The first pillar is founded on seven components. They assist in achieving increased European expertise in FMD crisis management and improved quality of national FMD preparedness training programmes, improved contingency planning, surveillance, especially in the Thrace region of Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. The activities in Pillar I one also provide for Improved emergency management capacity for F...

Welcome to a new episode of our podcast As part of the measures in the Phase V workplan of the EuFMD to promote vaccine security, a proposal has been developed to establish a procedure for prequalification (PQv) of vaccines against Foot-and-Mouth and Similar Transboundary diseases. A PQv scheme is intended as the first step in establishing a system for Assured Emergency Supply Options (AESOPs) for...

Exploring the frontiers of digital possibilities - innovating for veterinary education and FAST disease control

The Special Committee on Biorisk Management (SCBRM) provides guidance on training including the Minimum Standards. It supports the needs of the FMD Biorisk management community. Therefore providing assistance to training initiatives of the commission It aims to maintain an overview of development in biocontainment and improve the channel of communication with experts in member nations who have FMD...

Simulation exercises are an excellent tool to test contingency plans and procedures to improve countries’ preparedness against animal diseases. EuFMD supports the organization of simulation exercises, and has found new solution to recent challenges. A new concept for delivering simulation exercises was implemented: partially and/or fully online simulation exercises using an online platform for del...

Open Session 2022: What is the impact of digital transformation on the veterinary domain? What cultural shifts and new technologies are changing the way in which we understand and control Foot-and-Mouth and Similar Transboundary animal diseases (FAST diseases)? Mattia Begovoeva, EuFMD Animal Health Officer, introduces the "Open Session 2022". More information is available on our website https://ww...

With the support of EuFMD, the European private sector stakeholders in livestock production have launched a public-private partnership (PPP) Initiative for anticipating FAST-Disease Outbreaks, to explore a collaboration with public partners and academia in addressing animal health management in a structured and open discussion. 🎙️ PPP in 2 minutes by Bouda Ahmadi. How much can you learn in 2 minut...

Virtual Learning. What does it mean? How does the EuFMD Learning team develop new virtual activities? What has been the impact of recent events on the development of virtual learning activities? 🎙️Virtual Learning in 2 minutes by Jenny Maud. How much can you learn in 2 minutes? More info about our Virtual Learning course is available on our website: https://eufmdlearning.works/mod/page/view.php?id...

"Focusing on epidemic preparedness means that the steps that need to be taken before, during, and after an outbreak are defined and with a well-planned and tested system in place." Epidemic Preparedness explained in a 2-minute podcast episode, by Tsviatko Alexandrov, Pillar I Coordinator. How much can you learn in 2 minutes?

"Factors such as livestock industry practices, the species of livestock farmed, vaccine supply, and the resources available to deliver vaccines, will all influence how vaccines might be used to control outbreaks in different countries. Understanding these factors, can help countries to tailor their contingency plans to their own circumstances, and help to reduce the impact of livestock diseases on...

Effective crisis management is particularly important in epidemic and pandemic situations and depends very much on the preparedness of all the stakeholders involved. Epidemic Preparedness in 2 minutes with Kees Van Maanen, veterinary virologist.

When veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals are equipped with relevant skills to detect and control outbreaks of transboundary animal disease epidemics, the negative impact is minimized and livelihoods of smallholder and rural communities are safeguarded. 🎧 Epidemic Preparedness explained in a 2 minutes podcast episode, with Wilmot Chikurunhe, Coordinator of the Virtual Learning Centre in...