The European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD), one of FAO’s oldest Commissions, came into being on the 12th June 1954, with the pledge of the sixth founding member state to the principles of a coordinated and common action against foot-and-mouth disease. The Open Session of the EuFMD, was held during 29-31 October in Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy. The event was held on the theme of 'vaccine security.'