Under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), the representatives of the veterinary services of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, I.R. Iran, Turkey and the Russian Federation agreed in 2016 on a Statement of Intention (SOI) for the intensified collaboration in the prevention and control of FMD and other epizootic transboundary animal diseases (referred to as FAST diseases). In 2019 Iraq entered into the collaborative action of the SOI. The EuFMD assists the implementation of the SOI through the 2019-23 workplan of Pillar II (Reduced risk to EuFMD Members from the European neighbourhood - progressive control of FAST diseases in EU neighbouring regions). One of the expected achievements of the SOI in the current workplan period is improving emergency preparedness capacity for FAST diseases through multi-country simulation exercises for SOI members and follow up on shortcomings. 

A simulation exercise is a good risk management tool to improve preparedness and is an integral part of active contingency planning.

This FMD exercise will contribute to knowledge and good practices exchange in animal health emergency preparedness and management, as well as to improvement to the regional communication and collaboration among involved countries.The aim of the exercise is to assess response procedures in case of FMD outbreak occurring simultaneously in the border areas of endemic and non-endemic countries/regions.