Following the striking of the Foreign Animal Disease - Executive Management Board (FAD-EMB) and their first meeting back in June, we are progressing with the recommendation to proceed with disease-specific leadership teams, one for each of African swine fever (ASF), foot and mouth disease (FMD)and highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Over the summer, leadership teams have been populated with a limited number of sector experts who will drive progress in planning and preparedness for each disease. They will regularly report to and receive guidance from the FAD-EMB. Each leadership team held their kickoff meeting in early October to discuss their intended purpose, then review and set priorities on current gaps in preparedness for each disease.

Further discussion on gaps and priorities is still needed for the FMD and ASF leadership teams and subsequent meetings have been scheduled. From priority gaps, working groups will be struck for more technical discussion and closing of the gaps. Leadership teams will aim to meet monthly and are intended as a mechanism to streamline efforts and eliminate duplication. Throughout the evolution and work of the leadership teams, horizontal issues, which apply to all diseases will also be identified.