This landmark annual assessment offers a comprehensive overview of global animal health trends and challenges, covering topics such as vaccine availability, disease risks, and antimicrobial use in animals. The report was published ahead of WOAH’s 92nd General Session and Animal Health Forum, which will bring together global experts to discuss the role of vaccination and innovation in disease prevention.
One of the report’s key findings was a sharp rise in high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks among mammals. In 2024, 1,022 outbreaks were reported in 55 countries — more than double the 459 outbreaks recorded in 2023. Although the current risk to humans remains low, the increasing infection of mammals such as cattle, cats, and dogs raises concerns about the virus adapting to mammal-to-mammal and potentially human transmission.
Other concerning disease developments include the re-emergence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Europe and the spread of African swine fever (ASF) to Sri Lanka, nearly 1,800 km from the nearest previously known outbreak.
Almost half of all animal diseases reported to WOAH between 2005 and 2023 carry zoonotic potential — meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Factors such as climate change and global trade are accelerating the spread and prevalence of these diseases.
WOAH Director General Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran emphasized the urgency of the issue: “The spread, prevalence, and impact of infectious animal diseases is changing, bringing new challenges for agriculture, food security, human health, and ecosystems. This annual report sheds light on the interconnected nature of global health and the solutions needed to safeguard it.”
The report highlights the importance of vaccination, hygiene, and biosecurity in preventing disease spread, but notes that access to animal vaccines remains unequal across regions. Since 2006, WOAH has operated two vaccine banks — for rabies and PPR — and by May 2025, nearly 30 million rabies vaccines had been delivered to countries in Africa and Asia. However, progress in rabies control has slowed, with only 62% of countries reporting control measures, down from 85%.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also remains a critical concern. WOAH warns that if no urgent action is taken, AMR could result in livestock losses that threaten food security for 2 billion people and lead to $100 trillion in economic losses by 2050. While global antimicrobial use in animals decreased by 5% from 2020 to 2022 — with Europe and Africa seeing reductions of 23% and 20% respectively — around 20% of countries still use antimicrobials as growth promoters, a practice strongly discouraged by WOAH.
Dr. Javier Yugueros-Marcos, Head of WOAH’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Veterinary Products Department, noted, “The declining use of antibiotics in most regions is promising, but further reductions are needed. Preventative measures — particularly vaccination — are key to reducing reliance on antimicrobial treatments.”
To strengthen disease control efforts, WOAH calls for increased investment in national veterinary services, improved surveillance systems, and international collaboration. It also advocates for advanced diagnostic tools capable of distinguishing between vaccinated and infected animals — a crucial step toward effective disease tracking and maintaining transparency in global trade.
Founded in 1924 in response to a devastating rinderpest outbreak in Belgium, WOAH is the global authority on animal health. With the launch of its annual animal health report, the organization aims to support evidence-based action and foster a One Health approach to protecting both animals and people worldwide.
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