The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released its first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report, raising alarms over the increasing spread of animal diseases, many of which have the potential to infect humans.
According to the report, nearly half of the diseases reported to WOAH between 2005 and 2023 were zoonotic, meaning they could be transmitted from animals to humans. This trend highlights growing concerns about public health and the potential for new outbreaks.
One significant finding is the sharp rise in avian influenza outbreaks in mammals. Last year, there were 1,022 outbreaks across 55 countries, more than double the 459 outbreaks recorded in 2023. The spread of this virus among mammals increases the likelihood that it could eventually adapt to spread between mammals and, potentially, humans.
In addition to avian influenza, the report noted the return of peste des petits ruminants in Europe and the unexpected spread of African swine fever to Sri Lanka, over 1,800 kilometers from the nearest outbreak. These instances underscore the growing threat of animal diseases crossing borders.
WOAH attributes the spread of these diseases to several factors, including climate change and increased global trade. While many animal diseases can be controlled through vaccination, better hygiene, and stronger biosecurity measures, the report emphasizes that access to vaccines is uneven across the globe.
The report also stresses the need for disease prevention to reduce reliance on antibiotics, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By 2050, AMR could cause major livestock losses, endangering food security for two billion people and resulting in a global economic loss of up to US$100 trillion if urgent measures are not taken.
Recent data shows a slight decrease in antimicrobial use in animals, with a 5% drop from 2020 to 2022. Europe experienced the largest reduction, with a 23% decrease, followed by Africa at 20%. However, one in five countries still use antimicrobials as growth promoters, a practice that WOAH advises against.
The report calls for immediate action to curb the spread of animal diseases and prevent the further emergence of zoonotic threats.
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