On 12 June 1954, after six countries had accepted its Constitution, the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD) was officially launched with its mission being “to promote national and international action with respect to control measures against foot-and-mouth disease in Europe”.

At the first General Session in 1954, the Chair said he felt sure “that from small beginnings the Commission would develop into an extremely useful body”. 

Seventy years on from those humble beginnings and modest expectations - that prediction has proven correct on numerous occasions. In its early decades, EuFMD was a very effective networking entity, ensuring coordinated action across its Member Nations which culminated in the eradication of FMD from much of continental Europe by the late 1980s. 

The path leading to 2024

1954 - 1970

Mass vaccination brings success: EuFMD established in 1954 to coordinate FMD control, through national adoption of either slaughter or national mass vaccination; mass vaccination programmes in most of Europe brings FMD under control.

From endemic threat to exogenous threat: EuFMD led the first campaigns against exotic FMDv (SAT2) in the Middle East in the 1960s, recognition of exotic FMDv threat; 1966 UK: triggered higher recognition of bone-in-meat risk and of airborne transmission. 

1970 - late 1980s

FMD under control (limited spread between countries) but regular outbreaks relating to exogenous viruses (mainly imports, swill feeding), and vaccine-related (formalin inactivated, vaccine plant escapes), endemic virus pool extinct, early 1970s; development of antigen banks – political/economic arguments for non-vaccination policy.

1990s - 2000s

EuFMD switched focus to concentrate on emergency preparedness of its FMD-free members and surveillance in at risk areas.

Non-Vaccination policy: in the European Union and adopted by EuFMD Member Nations, except Türkiye and Israel (not FMD-free).

Sporadic incursions: Italy, Greece, Bulgaria (response: slaughter policy); Balkans (1996, response: emergency vaccination).

2001 widespread FMD outbreaks occurred in the United Kingdom with limited outbreaks occurring in Ireland, France and the Netherlands.

Looking ahead

EuFMD has a long track record of delivering for its Member Nations and a well-earned reputation for innovation and responsiveness. However, FAST disease risks are changing continuously. Therefore, EuFMD needs to remain well-informed, inventive and agile, to meet the future needs of its Member Nations, to collaborate effectively with its partners and to continue making a significant contribution to global animal health.