ECOWAS adopts regional strategies to combat livestock diseases

TOGO – Livestock ministers from seven West African countries adopted three regional strategies in Lomé on 8 October 2026 to combat transboundary animal diseases, strengthen disease surveillance, improve information sharing, and coordinate control measures across national borders.

Developed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC), the strategies cover 2026 to 2031 and focus on protecting donkeys, preventing foot-and-mouth disease and controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The plans aim to align national animal health policies, strengthen surveillance systems, and improve cross-border disease data exchange. 

Proposed measures include operationalising information systems, harmonising national regulations and improving coordination among disease surveillance networks.

The approach is intended to support earlier outbreak detection and more coordinated responses, in line with the One Health framework, which recognises the links between human, animal and environmental health.

Disease threats to livestock production

Transboundary animal diseases can disrupt livestock production, threaten animal welfare and undermine food security and rural livelihoods. 

Coordinated regional action is particularly important when outbreaks and animal movements cross national borders.

In Togo, livestock production contributes to the agricultural economy. Figures reported by Togo First indicate that the livestock subsector accounts for nearly 7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and more than 16% of agricultural GDP.

The risks were illustrated in March 2025, when Togo reported H5N1 avian influenza cases at three farms, affecting nearly 6,500 birds.

Authorities responded by culling affected birds and restricting poultry movements.

At the Lomé meeting, ministers also highlighted the need to strengthen vaccination programmes, tighten controls on animal movements and increase participation by livestock farmers’ organisations.

The measures are intended to improve regional preparedness and reduce the impact of disease outbreaks on livestock health and production. 

For poultry and livestock producers, effective implementation will depend on coordinated national action, reliable surveillance and timely information sharing across the region.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.