The problem

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and classical swine fever (CSF) are contagious animal diseases posing a major threat to the livestock sector. Epidemics within and outside the EU have highlighted the magnitude of this threat, its global dimension, and the need to improve prevention and control. A significant research effort is needed and this requires, notably in Europe, the strengthening and expansion of the networks of CSF and FMD reference laboratories and the activation of their potential through coordination and capacity building.

Overview:

The idea behind CA FMD/CSF is to:

• Initiate new collaborative actions and strengthen and coordinate existing ones
• Develop network communications
• Enhance stakeholder involvement in scientific and technical developments
• Produce a wide range of publications in support of coordination, harmonisation and knowledge consolidation

It focuses on CSF and FMD research gaps, global disease surveillance, risk assessment, vaccine reserves, diagnostics, laboratory preparedness, wild boar (wild boars constitute a CSF reservoir), disease management and control options.

Contribution to policy development:

• Creating common knowledge in support of EU and international health policies, as well as identifying best practices and reliable tests to pave the way for the development of harmonised standards.
• Helping to build the European Research Area in this vital area by promoting capacity building, networking, coordination, and synergy between research laboratories, companies and policy-makers

Project deliverables

• Best practice guidelines for emergency vaccination against CSF and FMD – Month 26
• Manuals for laboratory contingency planning against CSF and FMD – Month 28
• Web-based resources for networking, stakeholder involvement, and public information –
  Months 6-36
• Agreements on standard protocols for testing/maintaining antigens and vaccines, on collaborative activities, on diagnostic techniques/standards, on procedures for reviewing control options – Month 36

Dissemination

In addition to yearly project meetings and reports to the European Commission:

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals – ongoing
• Communications presented at international congresses and meetings (notably the Annual Meeting of Swine Fever Laboratories) – as needed
• An internet-based communication centre, restricted-access and open-access web pages, a stakeholder forum – ongoing
• Organisation of an international conference on CSF and FMD – Month 36

Technical information

Project acronym: CA FMD/CSF
Project’s official full title: FMD and CSF Coordination Action
Research priority: 1.4. New and more environment friendly production methods to improve animal health and welfare including research on animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease, swine fever and development of marker vaccines
Specific webpage: http://www.fmd-and-csf-action.org
Proposal/contract no: FP6-513755
Start date: 1 January 2005
Kick off meeting: Not available
Completion date: 31 December 2007
European Commission scientific officer: Isabel Minguez-Tudela, isabel.minguez-tudela@ec.europa.eu and Philippe Martin, philippe.martin@ec.europa.eu

Coordinator:
Name: Institute for Animal Health
Abbreviated name: IAH
Address: Pirbright Laboratory
Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF
Country: United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1483 232441
Fax: +44 (0)1483 232448
Website: http://www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk/

Partners

Name: Institute of Virology
Abbreviated name: TiHo
Country: Germany

Name: Office International des Epizooties
Abbreviated name: OIE
Country: France 

Name: Food and Agriculture Organisation
Abbreviated name: FAO
Country: Italy 

Name: Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research
Abbreviated name: DFVF
Country: Denmark

Name: Centrum voor Onderzoek in Diergeneeskunde en Agrochemie
Abbreviated name: CODA
Country: Belgium

Name: Veterinary Laboratories Agency
Abbreviated name: VLA
Country: United Kingdom

Name: Institute of Virology and Immunoprophylaxis
Abbreviated name: IVI
Country: Switzerland

Name: Centraal Instituut Dierziekte Controle Lelystad
Abbreviated name: CIDC
Country: the Netherlands

Name: Friedrich Loeffler Institute
Abbreviated name: FLI
Country: Germany

Name: Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments - Alfort
Abbreviated name: AFSSA
Country: France