Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations signed an agreement with Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and FAO representative Nora Ourabah Haddad to strengthen vaccinations and disease surveillance.
FAO steps in to support Lebanon’s livestock sector
FAO steps in to support Lebanon’s livestock sector
By The Beiruter | February 06, 2026
Reading time: 2 min
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced emergency support for Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture to help control the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak affecting the country’s livestock sector.
The collaboration was formalized in a signing with Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani and FAO Representative Nora Ourabah Haddad, marking a coordinated effort to contain the disease and protect rural livelihoods.
Emergency Vaccination and Technical Support
FAO’s support will focus on the second phase of the emergency vaccination campaign targeting cattle and small ruminants, technical training and awareness programs for breeders, and the development of standardized procedures for disease surveillance and response. A recurring situation report will monitor the outbreak in real time, enabling faster decision-making.
Since the first suspected FMD cases were detected in November 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture has intensified surveillance and coordination. A national taskforce was established, with FAO providing technical expertise and guidance. The vaccination campaign, ongoing since 20 December 2025, has already reached approximately 44,000 heads of cattle across 5,405 farms. The second dose for cattle is underway, while the first dose for sheep and goats has reached around 66,000 heads.
Protecting breeders and rural livelihoods
Dr. Hani emphasized the role of breeders in safeguarding Lebanon’s livestock. “They are the first line of defense in protecting the nation’s animal wealth and a fundamental pillar of national food security,” he said, stressing that supporting them is both an economic and sovereign priority.
FAO Representative Nora Ourabah Haddad highlighted the broader impact of the intervention. “By strengthening veterinary services, laboratories, and biosecurity measures, this project will enhance Lebanon’s capacity to respond to current and future FMD threats, protect rural livelihoods, and reinforce food security,” she said.
The joint initiative underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in Lebanon’s livestock sector, ensuring that the country can respond to emergencies while safeguarding long-term food security and the livelihoods of rural communities.
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The Beiruter
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