First Report On World’s Animal Health

Context

The inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health Report 2025, released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), offers the first comprehensive global assessment of animal disease trends, risks, and challenges. The report underscores the growing threat of infectious animal diseases, their impact on food security, human health, and biodiversity, and highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action.

Key Findings

Shifting Disease Patterns

• The infectious animal diseases are slipping into previously untouched regions and species: nearly 47% of WOAH diseases listed between 2005 and 2023 have zoonotic potential (capable of transmission from animal to human). 
• Example of notable outbreaks would be:
• Bird flu invading mammals with HPAI having more than twice the number of outbreaks in 2024 than in 2023 (1,022 outbreaks in 55 countries).
• African swine fever reached Sri Lanka, more than 1,800 km from previous outbreaks.
• Re-emergence of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Europe, which has been generally considered as a disease of developing countries.
• The new World screwworm again appeared in areas where it was considered eradicated.

Impact on Food Security and Livelihoods

• The spread of animal diseases threatens global food security by causing significant livestock losses and economic damage.
• By 2050, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is projected to jeopardize the food security of two billion people and could result in a US$100 trillion economic loss if not addressed.

Drivers of Disease Spread

• Climate Change and Global Trade: Climate change and increased international trade are accelerating the spread and prevalence of animal diseases, introducing pathogens to new areas and species.
• Uneven Vaccine Access: Access to livestock vaccines remains highly uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, hampering global disease eradication efforts. WOAH’s Rabies Vaccine Bank has delivered almost 30 million dog vaccines to Africa and Asia, but progress in rabies control has stalled, with fewer countries implementing control measures (down from 85% to 62%).

Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Use

• Antimicrobial use in animals fell by 5% globally between 2020 and 2022, with Europe and Africa seeing the largest reductions (23% and 20%, respectively).
• Despite progress, one in five countries still uses antimicrobials as growth promoters—a practice discouraged by WOAH due to its contribution to AMR.
• Indiscriminate antimicrobial use is a major threat to both animal and human health, increasing the risk of drug-resistant infections.

Prevention and Control Measures

• Vaccination as a Key Tool: Vaccination remains one of the most effective disease prevention strategies, reducing the need for antibiotics and limiting the development of resistance. The report calls for greater investment in national veterinary services, improved disease surveillance, and the adoption of advanced diagnostic tools to distinguish between vaccinated and infected animals.
• One Health Approach: The report emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach—recognizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health—in addressing current and emerging health threats.

Way Forward

• Strengthen international and regional cooperation to ensure equitable access to vaccines and effective disease control measures.
• Invest in innovation, including new vaccines and diagnostic technologies, to improve disease detection and response.
• Enhance transparency and data sharing to promote coordinated action and trade transparency.

Conclusion

The State of the World’s Animal Health Report 2025 marks a significant step in global animal health governance. It highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address the rising threats of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, ensuring food security, public health, and sustainable development for the future.

Source: WOAH

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the challenges associated with ensuring animal health in India and suggest policy measures to address them.

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