The European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease(EuFMD), established in 1954, has been at the forefront of combating foot-and-mouth disease across Europe. It operates under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Its mission is multifaceted:

1. Emergency Preparedness: the EuFMD collaborates closely with its 40 Member Nations to enhance their preparedness for foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Swift action during emergencies is crucial to prevent further spread.

2. European Neighbourhood: beyond its Member Nations, the EuFMD extends its reach to 20 priority European neighbourhood countries. These collaborative efforts aim to establish sustainable control programmes and curb the disease's impact.

3. Global Strategy Advocacy: the EuFMD actively supports and promotes the global strategy for progressive control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. This involves close partnerships with key stakeholders, including the European Commission, the FAO, and the World Organization for Animal Health.