Roadmap for the research to underpin the development of control strategies for FMD

What are we trying to achieve and why? What is the problem we are trying to solve?

To develop a next generation of control measures and strategies for their application, in free and endemic countries.

What are the scientific and technological challenges (knowledge gaps needing to be addressed)?

• Development of better analytical tools to support decisions for FMD control.
• Provision of evidence to inform development of policies for safe trade of animals and animal products in FMD-endemic areas

What approaches could/should be taken to address the research question?

What else needs to be done before we can solve this need?

• A global FMD surveillance system that provides high quality, accurate, and real-time information on FMD risk is needed to cover critical gaps of information of the FMD situation worldwide and to support FMD control and eradication on a global scale
• Consideration of socio-economic aspects.
• Development of adequate control tools and diagnostic.
• Improve modelling of interventions.
• Improved knowledge on FMD epidemiology.

Existing knowledge including successes and failures

Countries or zones can be divided into three categories depending on their FMD status: FMD-free without vaccination, FMD-free with ongoing vaccination, and endemic. As each category will feel the threat and impact
of FMD differently, they would have different priorities in terms of research, prevention and disease control. Depopulation is the first line of defence against an FMD outbreak in a free country, but entails high costs and is not widely accepted by society. Countries FMD-free with ongoing vaccination have similar interests to free countries that do not routinely vaccinate, but may have different priorities in terms of vaccination, with long-term immunity deemed necessary to reduce the impact of future virus incursions. In endemic countries, there is a need for potent, quality assured vaccines inducing a quick and long-lasting immunity and that can be produced in vast quantities at low cost. Control programmes in endemic regions often lack clear evidence-based guidance and evaluation, resulting in limited or unknown programme impact.