ECOWAS Countries Agree on Plans to Tackle Major Livestock Diseases

Livestock ministers from seven West African countries have adopted three regional strategies to control animal diseases and improve cross-border surveillance. The plans were approved in Lomé on October 8, 2026, and will run from 2026 to 2031.

Developed by the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre, the strategies target donkey health, foot-and-mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza, which affects poultry.

The measures include improving disease monitoring, sharing outbreak information between countries, harmonising animal health regulations and strengthening coordination among surveillance networks. Ministers also called for stronger vaccination programmes, tighter controls on animal movements and greater involvement of livestock farmers’ organisations.

The meeting follows previous disease outbreaks in the region. In March 2025, Togo reported H5N1 avian influenza on three poultry farms, affecting nearly 6,500 birds. Authorities responded by culling affected birds and restricting poultry movements.

Livestock production contributes nearly seven per cent of Togo’s gross domestic product and more than 16 per cent of its agricultural GDP, according to figures cited in the report.

ECOWAS says coordinated action is needed to detect outbreaks early and improve disease control across national borders. The strategies also follow the One Health approach, which recognises the links between human, animal and environmental health.