Development of an evaluation framework and assessment tools to assess the foot and mouth disease (FMD) control policies and their implementation in the proposed FMD-free zone in Thailand.

Abstract

This paper proposes an evaluation framework and assessment tools for use in the evaluation of the current foot and mouth disease (FMD) control policies in Thailand and their implementation in the eastern region of the country (the proposed FMD-free zone). To develop the framework and assessment tools this study identified: a) the essential elements of a successful FMD control programme; b) stakeholders who are affected by the FMD control programme; and c) relevant Department of Livestock Development regulations and documents. These regulations and documents were used as the foundation for development of the framework and assessment tools. The proposed framework includes the essential characteristics of policy design and implementation that should be part of the FMD control programme in Thailand. The assessment tools include assessment matrices, three sets of questionnaires, and interview questions. When applied, the assessment matrices identify shortcomings of policy design, policy implementation, veterinary capacity and stakeholder engagement. Questionnaires and interview questions collect information that examines the consistency of elements of the FMD control programme against criteria in the assessment matrix. This framework and tools are currently being applied to assess the proposed FMD-free zone in Thailand.