The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presented a blueprint for a new global approach to tackle transboundary animal diseases, which can rapidly undermine livelihoods and trade, hit low- and middle-income countries the hardest, and spill over into human populations with devastating consequences, according to an FAO announcement in Rome.
The FAO Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases
The FAO Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD) is a country-driven, country-led initiative. According to the FAO, the prevention and control of prioritized diseases are strengthened through National Partnership Platforms that bring together governments, the private sector, producers, foundations, farmers’ organizations, and financial institutions under one national framework.
Currently, 110 countries have submitted official letters to the FAO Director-General expressing their interest in joining the GPP-TAD. This demonstrates a depth of political and financial commitment to managing persistent and costly threats, according to the agency.
Threats to Global Food Security and Livelihoods
Transboundary animal diseases remain one of the most urgent threats to global food security, livelihoods, and health, according to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. Speaking at a high-level event attended by ministers and government representatives, Qu noted that cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and New World screwworm demonstrate that TADs are spreading faster, further, and with greater impact on economies and livelihoods than ever before.
Prevention costs far less than inaction, according to the Director-General. FAO’s impact assessment notes that the recent introduction of the SAT1 serotype of foot-and-mouth disease into Asia could lead to $2 billion in annual losses. Qu stated that investing upstream in prevention through a One Health approach is the only way to avert crises downstream.
Did you know?
According to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, a true One Health approach must encompass soil health, animal health, plant health, human health, and environmental health.
Global Support and Ministerial Backing
At the 44th Session of the FAO Conference in July 2025, Members recognized the critical importance of preventing, detecting, and responding to the spread of TADs. Since then, extensive consultations have been organized with Members at regional conferences and at FAO headquarters to build a renewed model of financing, partnership, and solidarity.
The high-level event included statements from the agriculture ministers of Italy, Cameroon, Jordan, Mali, Mongolia, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Serbia, Kenya, Brazil, Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Egypt, and Papua New Guinea. According to the FAO, their participation underscores strong global support for coordinated responses to diseases that rapidly spread across borders.
A New Financing Model and Global Architecture
The GPP-TAD aims to reinforce capacity built over more than 20 years through FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD). Previous efforts relied primarily on donor-funded projects, with FAO serving as an implementing force. The new programme introduces a global governance architecture and a shift to diversified financing models, according to FAO documents.
Under this new model, countries lead implementation with technical support from FAO calibrated to local needs. Regional hubs will coordinate cross-border action. Through its EMPRES programme, FAO will continue to provide disease intelligence, early warning alerts, and normative guidance, acting as a provider of last resort and surge assistance.
Pro Tip for Stakeholders:
Participating countries contribute to the GPP-TAD according to their capacity, supported by voluntary contributions from development partners and co-financing from international financial institutions and the private sector, as outlined in the FAO operational framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GPP-TAD?
The FAO Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases is a country-led initiative designed to strengthen the prevention and control of prioritized animal diseases through National Partnership Platforms, according to the FAO.
Which diseases are prioritized under the initiative?
Prioritized threats include highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and New World screwworm, among others, according to the FAO.
How is the programme funded?
The GPP-TAD introduces a diversified, solidarity-based model where participating countries contribute according to their capacity, alongside voluntary contributions from development partners and co-financing from international financial institutions and the private sector, according to the agency.
How many countries have joined so far?
As of the recent announcement, 110 countries have submitted official letters to the FAO Director-General expressing their interest in joining the GPP-TAD, according to FAO records.
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