Released by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the report provides the first comprehensive global overview of animal health in a changing world.
- Headquartered in Paris, WOAH was founded in 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties (renamed as WOAH in 2003).
- It focuses on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases, improving animal health globally and thus builds a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.
Key Findings
- Shifting Disease Patterns: Infectious animal diseases are expanding into new geographical areas, with nearly 47% having zoonotic potential (i.e., transmittable from animals to humans).
- E.g., Peste des Petits Ruminants (affects sheep & goats), traditionally confined to developing nations, has now re-emerged in Europe.
- Rising Diseases Intensity: Diseases like African swine fever, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease are increasing in frequency & intensity, disrupting agrifood systems and threatening food security, public health, and biodiversity.
- Drivers of Disease Spread: Climate change & expanding global trade are identified as major drivers.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): By 2050, AMR is projected to cause livestock losses that jeopardise the food security of 2 billion people & result in a US$ 100 trillion economic loss.
- Recommendations:
- Ensure equitable access to safe, effective vaccines, alongside other control measures like improved hygiene & biosecurity measures.
- Investments to strengthen national Veterinary Services, greater global & regional coordination, improved disease surveillance systems etc.