News– According to the first State of the World’s Animal Health report by WOAH, infectious animal diseases are reaching new regions and species, with almost half (47%) having the potential to transmit to humans. 1st State of the World’s Animal Health Report.
About State of the World’s Animal Health Report
Released by: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
- WOAH is an intergovernmental organization focused on improving animal health worldwide. It is headquartered in Paris, France.
Key findings of the report:
- Changing Disease Patterns: Infectious animal diseases are spreading into previously unaffected regions, with nearly 47% having the ability to transmit from animals to humans (zoonotic potential). For example, Peste des Petits Ruminants (which affects sheep and goats) — once limited to developing countries — has now resurfaced in Europe.
- Increasing Disease Severity: Diseases such as African swine fever, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease are becoming more frequent and severe, disrupting agricultural food systems and posing threats to food security, public health, and biodiversity.
- Factors Driving Disease Spread: Climate change and the growth of global trade are recognized as key factors fueling the spread of these diseases.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): By 2050, AMR is expected to cause significant livestock losses, threatening the food security of 2 billion people and resulting in an economic loss estimated at US$ 100 trillion.
