The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has presented a blueprint for a new global approach to tackle transboundary animal diseases (TADs), with 110 countries expressing interest in joining the proposed Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD).
The FAO transboundary animal diseases programme is a country-driven, country-led initiative in which the prevention and control of prioritised diseases are strengthened through National Partnership Platforms that bring together governments, the private sector, producers, foundations, farmers’ organisations and financial institutions.
“We must ensure that the next chapter of global animal health is not defined by crisis, but by cooperation, responsibility and shared success,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu at a high-level event attended by ministers and government representatives.
Rising threat
Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and New World screwworm demonstrate that TADs “are spreading faster, further and with greater impact on economies and livelihoods than ever before,” Qu added.
The Director-General stressed that animal disease prevention costs far less than inaction. FAO’s impact assessment found that the recent introduction of the SAT1 serotype of foot-and-mouth disease into Asia could lead to US$2 billion in annual losses.
New funding model
Previous efforts relied primarily on donor-funded projects. GPP-TAD introduces a diversified, solidarity-based financing model in which all participating countries will contribute according to their capacity, complemented by voluntary contributions from development partners, international financial institutions and the private sector.
At the 44th Session of FAO Conference in July 2025, Members recognised the critical importance of preventing, detecting and responding to the spread of TADs.
Programme structure
GPP-TAD programme will work across five areas: prevention and progressive disease control; digital surveillance and early warning; preparedness and anticipatory action; coordinated emergency response; and legislation, partnerships and financing models.
A Steering Committee will provide strategic guidance, with a technical advisory group including key partners.
