BEIRUT, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon has signed an emergency support agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to contain the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and strengthen national veterinary preparedness, local media reported Thursday.
The agreement, signed by the country's Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and FAO Representative in Lebanon Nora Ourabah Haddad, aims to control the spread of the disease affecting livestock production, reinforce animal health and food security systems, and protect rural livelihoods, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).
The NNA reported that the FAO will support the second phase of the emergency vaccination campaign for cattle and small ruminants, alongside capacity-building for breeders, improved disease surveillance and response procedures, and regular monitoring to support decision-making.
After the initial suspected cases in November 2025, Lebanon ramped up surveillance and response measures, establishing a national task force in collaboration with the FAO.
The foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. ■
