African and Asian Experts Convene in China to Combat Spreading Foot — and-Mouth Disease DATELINE: Lanzhou, China – August 7, 2026 LEAD: In a significant move to combat the escalating threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), experts from Africa and Asia gathered in Lanzhou, China, to strengthen collaborative efforts against the highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals.
The meeting, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute (LVRI) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), comes in the wake of the SAT1 FMD serotype spreading beyond its traditional range in sub-Saharan Africa. NUT GRAF: The SAT1 FMD serotype, which has historically been confined to sub-Saharan Africa, has now been detected in North Africa, the Near East, and beyond, prompting international animal health authorities to issue warnings.
The spread of the disease poses significant risks to livestock production and trade, with potential economic losses estimated in the billions.
The meeting in Lanzhou aimed to enhance surveillance, vaccination, and veterinary services to prevent the further spread of FMD.
The FAO’s recent report, published on June 8, 2026, highlighted the changing risk landscape of FMD and emphasized the need for cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration for effective disease control.
The joint alert issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the FAO on April 15, 2026, confirmed the spread of SAT1 FMD serotype outside of its traditional range, supported by analysis from BEACON, a global animal disease intelligence platform.
The meeting in Lanzhou brought together veterinary authorities, policymakers, laboratory specialists, and researchers from both regions to discuss the evolving FMD risk landscape and identify practical measures to improve prevention, detection, and response.
The Asian — African Foot-and-Mouth Disease Prevention and Control Technology Workshop was a critical step towards building a coordinated approach to tackle the disease.
Dr. Babagana Ahmadu, the FAO Representative in South Africa, discussed collaborative strategies with Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, emphasizing China’s commitment to sharing expertise in veterinary science and technology.
The FAO’s report and the joint alert underscore the global concern over the spread of FMD and the potential economic fallout, highlighting the need for a unified response to protect livestock and agricultural economies.
KICKER: As the meeting concludes, the focus now shifts to implementing the strategies discussed and enhancing regional and international cooperation.
The success of these efforts will be crucial in containing the spread of FMD and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers and livestock owners across Africa and Asia.
The next steps will involve strengthening surveillance systems, improving vaccination programs, and enhancing veterinary services to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the growing threat of FMD.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News v2
