From 11 to 13 November 2025, the capital of Tajikistan brought together representatives of 14 countries to coordinate joint measures aimed at eliminating peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) — transboundary diseases that pose a serious threat to livestock production, food security, and regional trade.

The meeting was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD), with the support of the Food Security Committee of Tajikistan and financial assistance from the European Union.

The National Holding “QazBioPharm” represented Kazakhstan at the meeting, contributing to the coordination of regional approaches, the implementation of modern vaccine solutions, and the alignment of efforts among countries in the region. The goal is to strengthen collective capacity and ensure progress toward the elimination of PPR and the effective control of FMD.

During the event, experts discussed key areas in combating transboundary animal diseases: improving epidemiological surveillance, coordinating regional vaccination programs, applying monitoring and evaluation tools (PMAT for PPR and PCP-FMD for foot-and-mouth disease), enhancing laboratory capacity, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. Special attention was given to optimizing resources — laboratories, surveillance systems, and vaccination infrastructure — to boost the effectiveness of regional disease-control programs.

Peste des petits ruminants remains a significant threat: in Central Asia, about 190 million sheep and goats are at risk, representing nearly 9% of the world’s small ruminant population. Foot-and-mouth disease also remains endemic in several countries of Western Eurasia, causing substantial annual economic losses and limiting access to regional and global markets.

The meeting in Dushanbe reaffirmed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and demonstrated the readiness of countries to jointly address transboundary threats, ensuring the stability of livestock production and food security for millions of people.