Rome, 30 October 2012- Livestock are the lifeblood of African society, providing financial and food security for around 300 million people. In Cameroon, the livelihoods of over one third of the population depend on livestock. However, fatal animal illnesses such as foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle Disease and African Swine Fever, are endemic here, like in most African countries, increasing poverty, hindering development and threatening food security. The country's national veterinary laboratory (LANAVET) is the body responsible for the diagnosis and control of animal disease in Cameroon.