FAO launches global framework to combat rapid spread of transboundary animal diseases

The FAO’s new GPP-TAD model aims to replace reactive efforts with a country-led, prevention-focused approach to tackle fast-moving animal diseases, involving 110 countries so far.

The FAO has set out a new global model for tackling transboundary animal diseases, arguing that the old project-by-project approach is no longer sufficient against outbreaks that can move quickly across borders, disrupt trade and hit poorer countries hardest.

The UN agency’s Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases, or GPP-TAD, is designed as a country-led framework built around national partnership platforms bringing together governments, producers, financiers, foundations and private-sector actors. According to FAO, the scheme is intended to shift the organisation from acting mainly as an implementer of donor-funded projects to a convener of a more durable financing and governance system.

Qu Dongyu, the FAO director-general, said at a high-level meeting in Rome that prevention is far cheaper than dealing with crises after they emerge. He warned that recent cases of avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and New World screwworm show these threats are spreading more quickly and with greater economic impact.

FAO says 110 countries have already signalled interest in joining the programme. The agency plans five workstreams, ranging from surveillance and early warning to emergency response and financing.

The initiative builds on more than 20 years of work through FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, which has supported more than 50 countries.