Guidance for developing a national foot-and-mouth disease communication plan

The eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) represents a crucial milestone for advancing animal health and sustainable livestock production in the Americas. This goal aligns with the broader objectives of the PAHO Disease Elimination Initiative, which emphasizes the importance of eliminating high-impact diseases to improve public and animal health across the region. In this context, effective and strategic communication emerges as a vital component to ensure coordination, transparency, and trust throughout the entire FMD eradication process. This guide, developed by PANAFTOSA, is designed to support countries in the development and implementation of National Communication Plans that address FMD prevention, surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response. It provides a practical framework to guide communication efforts not only in times of emergency but also during periods of epidemiological stability, where maintaining public awareness and stakeholder engagement remains essential. Targeting Official Veterinary Services, producers, animal health professionals, and other actors along the livestock value chain, the guide encourages an inclusive and multidisciplinary approach. It offers tools and strategies to strengthen dialogue, build partnerships, and facilitate information exchange among institutions, communities, and the private sector. By fostering collaboration beyond the veterinary field—including engagement with farmers’ organizations, academia, and media outlets—the guide promotes a coordinated and proactive stance against FMD risks. It also highlights the need for ongoing, transparent, and two-way communication channels to sustain disease-free status. Ultimately, this guide serves not only as a technical manual but as a strategic resource to ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed, empowered, and ready to act effectively to protect animal health in the region.