The EuFMD was established in 1954 as an article XIV body. The Commission comprises 39 Member Nations, which meet in General Session every two years. It is a specialized regional commission with its primary mandate being to advise, coordinate and support the activities of its Member Nations in the control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The EuFMD Member Mations have agreed a Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and Financial Regulations  which provide the Commission with its mandate and defines its structures, governance, means of funding and modus operandi.

General Session

The Commission’s Member Nations meet in General Session every two years – most of the delegates are the Chief Veterinary Officers of their respective countries. At the General Session, the Member Nations review the activities of the previous biennium, agree a work plan and budget for the next biennium and elect an Executive Committee and a Standing Technical Committee.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee, comprising the delegates of nine member nations, meets every six months between General Sessions to guide and oversee the implementation of the workplan. 

Standing Technical Committee

The Standing Technical Committee (STC), comprising six scientific experts from Member Nations, provides independent scientific advice on request, and meets twice a year or more, upon request.

Special Committees

There is a provision in the EuFMD Constitution for special committees to be established to deal with specific topics – currently there are four in operation – the Special Committee on Bio Risk Management (SCBRM); the Standing Committee on PreQualification of Vaccines (SCPQv); the Special Committee on Risk Monitoring, Integrated Surveillance, and Applied Research (SCRISAR); and the Steering Committee on Training (SCTOM) .

Secretariat

The EuFMD Secretariat, based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, is tasked with implementing the work plan of the Commission. The Secretariat currently includes the Executive Secretary, the Deputy Executive Secretary and the Programme Officer. The consultants include Focus Objective and Action area leads, a Programme Learning lead and an administrative and operations team.