Project background

Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains one of the most significant transboundary animal diseases globally, with evolving epidemiological patterns and recurring outbreaks in various regions. Veterinary authorities must continuously update their knowledge and response strategies to address emerging risks effectively. As the responsible authority in the canton of Bern, the Cantonal Veterinary Office (AVET Bern) initiated this workshop for their employees to strengthen internal expertise and preparedness, ensuring alignment with current scientific understanding and operational best practices.

Our Work:  

We designed and delivered a structured workshop tailored to the needs of veterinary professionals at the Cantonal Veterinary Office (AVETBern). The session combined expert input with interactive elements to encourage applied learning, discussion, and practical reflection on Foot-and-Mouth Disease preparedness within the Swiss veterinary service.

The workshop included up-to-date scientific and epidemiological information on the global FMD situation, recent developments, and theirpotential implications for Switzerland. Technical sessions covered clinicalsigns, epidemiology, surveillance, and sampling procedures relevant to outbreakpreparedness and response. To strengthen practical application, participantsworked through a simulated outbreak suspicion scenario in an interactive groupexercise, enabling discussion around early detection, decision-making, andresponse coordination.

The final part of the workshop focused on vaccination strategies and vaccine-related considerations, including vaccine characteristics, the role of vaccine and antigen banks, and different implementation approaches. Economic and socio-economic aspects of disease control were also integrated into the discussions. Overall, the workshop was designed to connect current scientific knowledge with operational decision-making and preparedness planning in a veterinary authority setting.