State of the World’s Animal Health Report

State of the World’s Animal Health Report: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released its inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health report, revealing alarming trends in the spread of infectious animal diseases to new regions and species.

• Key Highlights: 47% of animal diseases can jump to humans, posing serious global health risks.

o Widening Spread of Diseases: African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) are rapidly expanding, threatening food security, biodiversity, and public health.

o Drivers: Climate change and global trade accelerate disease spread and new outbreaks.

• Other Notable Trends:

o Bluetongue Virus: 3500+ outbreaks in 24 countries.

o Lumpy Skin Disease: First reported in northern Africa and Japan (319 outbreaks).

o New World Screwworm: 8300+ outbreaks in 7 countries, newly in Mexico.

o PPR: Re-emerged in Europe (Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary) after being mostly in Global South.

• About WOAH: An intergovernmental organization dedicated to transparent sharing of information on animal diseases and enhancing global animal health

o HQ: Paris

o Founded: 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties; renamed WOAH in 2003

o Members: Comprises 183 member countries, including India