28th SEACFMD Sub-Commission Meeting

28th Meeting of the WOAH Sub-Commission for Foot and Mouth Disease in South-East Asia, China and Mongolia

Summary

The 28th SEACFMD Sub-Commission Meeting was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 28-30 July 2026, bringing together representatives of SEACFMD Members, partners and experts to review progress and strengthen regional cooperation for the control of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

Taking place during the first year of implementation of the SEACFMD Roadmap 2026-2030, the meeting provided updates on the global and regional FMD situation, including emerging risks and developments in neighbouring regions. Participants exchanged experiences and good practices from both FMD-infected areas and FMD-free zones, reviewed achievements and challenges from previous phases of the SEACFMD Campaign, and discussed priority actions to support implementation of the new Roadmap, including its implementation plan and monitoring and evaluation framework.

Objectives

The 28th Meeting of the WOAH SEACFMD Sub-Commission had the following objectives: 

1. To update participants on the current global and regional FMD situation, including the spread of FMD serotype SAT1 to areas where it had not previously been reported, and to discuss the major technical and operational challenges affecting the region;
2. To review the progress, achievements, and key challenges of the SEACFMD Campaign and identify priority actions for the implementation of the SEACFMD Roadmap 2026–2030, including its implementation plan and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.
3. To provide updates on the development of the Global FMD Control Strategy and to seek input to strengthen its alignment and synergies with the SEACFMD Roadmap 2026 – 2030, ensuring greater regional relevance and coordinated implementation.
4. To assess the implications of the recent introduction of FMD serotype SAT1 and other emerging serotype risks, including SAT2 into the region and to discuss preparedness, surveillance, vaccine availability, and mitigation measures.
5. To elect the new President and Vice-Presidents for the SEACFMD Sub-Commission amongst the WOAH Delegates.

Participants

The meetings brought together delegates and national coordinators from SEACFMD Members, alongside representatives from donors, international and regional partner organisations, and non-SEACFMD members.

Participants included experts from FMD reference laboratories, research institutions and universities, private-sector stakeholders such as vaccine manufacturers and livestock industry groups, as well as representatives from WOAH headquarters and regional and sub-regional offices. Together, these participants provided a platform for strategic discussions, technical exchange, and strengthened collaboration in support of FMD control and regional animal health initiatives.