Ann Catherine V. Umandal

In 1996, the NFMDTF drafted a national plan to address the 1995 FMD epidemic wherein 98,000 animals were reported to have been affected.

The FMD Eradication Project in the Philippines has formally ended but activities have been sustained even after obtaining FMD-freedom in Luzon having no clinical cases for 5 years with the last outbreak recorded in December 28, 2005.

As a result of dedicated implementation of guidelines for the progressive zoning approach, the zero case scenarios was sustained to date, with continuous complementation of stricter animal movement management and sustained cooperation of all concerned stake holders. Luzon at present is virtually divided into three zones.

The recognition of Mindanao and Visayas-Palawan-Masbate by OIE as FMD free zones without vaccination were two of the most significant achievements by the National FMD Control and Eradication Project.