Guyana will host a major regional meeting on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) later this month, as countries across the Americas move closer to eliminating the disease.
The 52nd Ordinary Meeting of the South American Commission for the Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA) is scheduled for April 22–23 at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown. The event comes at a critical stage in the region’s efforts to eradicate FMD, a highly contagious viral disease that affects livestock.
The meeting will also mark the launch of the 2026–2030 Action Plan under the Hemispheric Foot-and-Mouth Disease Eradication Program (PHEFA). Delegates are expected to review progress made between 2021 and 2025 and outline strategies to address emerging animal health challenges.
According to organisers, South America has made significant gains in controlling the disease, with nearly 80% of cattle in the Americas now located in territories certified as FMD-free without vaccination. This progress reflects improved surveillance and coordinated regional efforts.
Officials say the upcoming meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation among countries, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and improving emergency response capabilities to safeguard these gains.
Representatives from 13 countries—including Guyana, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Suriname—are expected to attend, bringing together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The discussions will also encourage collaboration between South America and the Caribbean, particularly in addressing cross-border animal health risks and improving coordinated responses.
Ahead of the main meeting, a virtual Pre-COSALFA International Seminar will be held on April 14. The seminar will examine the role of emergency vaccination in outbreak response and highlight developments such as the establishment of the Regional Foot-and-Mouth Disease Antigen Bank (BANVACO).
The COSALFA meeting is being organised by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through its Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (PANAFTOSA), with support from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture.
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