1st GF-TADs Regional Conference of Standing Groups of Experts on Priority Transboundary Animal Diseases in the European Region

The 1st GF-TADs Regional Conference of Standing Groups of Experts on priority transboundary animal diseases in the European region took place in Belgrade, Serbia, 22–25 September 2025.  

Background and Objectives

The conference was held under the umbrella of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), a collaborative initiative between the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), established in 2004. GF-TADs aims to empower global and regional partnerships to combat Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) through capacity building and control programs based on regional priorities. The European branch of GF-TADs, established in 2005, addresses priority diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Rabies, High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). 

The primary aim of the conference was to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination in the control of TADs and share knowledge, experience, and science-based best practices among Veterinary Authorities and experts. Due to ongoing challenges with TADs in the European Region, the meetings of the Standing Groups of Experts (SGEs) for ASF (active since 2014), Rabies (since 2019), and HPAI (since 2023) were merged into this single event to maximize the impact of different initiatives, foster synergies, and promote a coordinated approach. The conference also addressed the challenges posed by the re-emergence of FMD and PPR. 

Key Activities and Governance  

The conference’s comprehensive program included dedicated sessions for LSD, PPR, HPAI, Rabies, ASF, and FMD. Several critical side events were integrated into the agenda: 

1. 12th Regional Steering Committee of GF-TADs for Europe (RSCE-12): The RSC meeting reviewed progress, governance, and strategic priorities. Members reviewed and adjusted the Action Plan 2023–2027 to better reflect regional priorities. The committee reinforced its role as a key coordination mechanism and unanimously endorsed Dr. Keti Margariti (Albania) as the new Second Vice President. 
2. Meeting of the Regional Core Group (RCG) for Europe: The 19th meeting marked the inauguration of its restructured format. Discussions included strategic alignment with the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan, enhancement of cross-regional collaboration (with the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa), and planning for the Governance Review Committee. 
3. Commemoration of World Rabies Day 2025: This event reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to the global “Zero by 30” strategy, aiming for zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Highlights included high-level partner statements and the unveiling of a joint pledge, which strengthened political will and raised visibility. 

Key Conclusions and Recommendations  

The conference was deemed a resounding success, effectively consolidating efforts for regional coordination. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and adopted general and specific recommendations: 

• Strategic Alignment: The GF-TADs Steering Committee is committed to sustained political and financial support for the framework. 

• New SGE: It was recommended to merge PPR and Sheep Pox and Goat Pox (SGP) topics into a new Standing Group of Experts (SGE) for Small Ruminant Diseases due to the threat of PPR and SGP in the region. 

• General Preparedness: Members must reinforce adherence to WOAH international standards for prevention and control, including transparency and disease reporting (WAHIS, ADIS). They should also develop sustainable, long-term plans for control and eradication programmes. 

• Disease-Specific Focus: Recommendations emphasized enhancing biosecurity (especially for ASF, banning swill feeding and preventing domestic pig/wild boar contact), strengthening passive surveillance (critical for early detection of ASF and Rabies), ensuring high-quality, homologous vaccines (LSD), and establishing harmonized rules for international trade of products from vaccinated birds (HPAI). 

• Future Planning: Consensus was reached that the comprehensive format was effective, and the next GF-TADs Conference should be held every two years, scheduled for late 2026 or January 2027. Online meetings/webinars are planned for 2026 to maintain technical momentum. 

Documents

The Agenda of the Conference follows below.

The Presentations can be downloaded from this page below.

Photos from the conference are in the gallery below.

Links to recordings of the Conference sessions, the Conference Report, Conclusions and Recommendations will be available for downloading soon. 

Conference Working Programme