ECOWAS: West Africa Regional Animal Health Strategies Adopted

• Seven West African countries adopted three regional strategies on October 8 in Lomé, Togo, to combat transboundary animal diseases.
• These action plans, running from 2026 to 2031, focus on protecting donkeys, preventing foot-and-mouth disease, and controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza.
• Developed by the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Center, the strategies aim to align national policies, strengthen surveillance, and improve data sharing.
• The initiatives include implementing information systems and harmonizing regulations to enable earlier outbreak detection and coordinated responses.
• The strategies are vital for the region's livestock sector, which supports rural livelihoods and food security, as animal diseases pose significant economic risks.

The ultimate aim is to facilitate earlier detection of disease outbreaks and enable more synchronized and effective responses across the participating countries, embodying the principles of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Ministers from seven West African nations recently endorsed three comprehensive regional strategies designed to combat the spread of transboundary animal diseases. This significant development occurred during a meeting held on October 8 in Lomé, Togo. These newly adopted action plans are slated for implementation from 2026 through 2031, marking a concerted effort to enhance animal health across the sub-region.

The core focus of these West Africa regional animal health strategies adopted is multifaceted, addressing critical vulnerabilities within the livestock sector. Specifically, the initiatives prioritize the protection of donkey populations, the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and the rigorous control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This targeted approach aims to safeguard key animal assets and mitigate the economic and health risks associated with these specific diseases.

These crucial strategies were meticulously developed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC). The overarching objectives of these ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Center strategies include fostering greater alignment among national policies, significantly strengthening existing disease surveillance mechanisms, and improving the sharing of vital animal health data across borders. This collaborative framework is essential for effective regional disease management.

To achieve these ambitious goals, the strategies outline several key operational measures. These include the deployment of advanced information systems, the harmonization of national regulations pertaining to animal health, and the enhancement of coordination among various disease surveillance networks. The ultimate aim is to facilitate earlier detection of disease outbreaks and enable more synchronized and effective responses across the participating countries, embodying the principles of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. These West African livestock sector regulations are expected to evolve significantly.

The adoption of these strategies underscores the profound economic implications of animal diseases in West Africa. The livestock sector plays a pivotal role in the region, providing essential support for rural livelihoods and ensuring food security for millions. Disruptions caused by outbreaks of transboundary animal diseases West Africa can have devastating consequences for these communities and national economies.

For instance, the economic contribution of livestock is substantial, as highlighted by figures from Togo. The livestock subsector alone accounts for nearly 7% of Togo's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 16% of its agricultural GDP, with agriculture contributing approximately 40% to the country's overall GDP. The vulnerability of this sector to diseases is evident from past incidents, such as the H5N1 bird flu cases reported in Togo in March 2025, which affected nearly 6,500 birds across three farms, demonstrating the tangible impact on production and economic stability. The foot-and-mouth disease prevention West Africa and avian influenza control West Africa initiatives are therefore critical for economic resilience.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients in the West African agricultural and livestock sectors should monitor the implementation of these regional strategies (2026-2031) for anticipated changes to national policies, regulations, and compliance requirements related to animal disease surveillance, prevention, and reporting, particularly concerning foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and donkey protection. These strategies will necessitate alignment of national laws and operational practices.

Source: Original reporting via regional animal health news.