International: First Report on World’s Animal Health

On 23 May 2025, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released its inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health report, highlighting a significant shift in the global landscape of animal diseases. The report reveals that infectious diseases are spreading to new regions and species, with nearly half (47%) of these diseases having the potential to transmit from animals to humans. One of the most concerning findings is the more than doubling of bird flu outbreaks in mammals in 2024 compared to the previous year, totaling 1,022 incidents across 55 countries. The report also addresses challenges in disease prevention, noting uneven access to livestock vaccines worldwide and the need for increased funding and political commitment to eradication efforts. On a positive note, antibiotic use in animals has decreased by 5% between 2020 and 2022, suggesting progress in combating antimicrobial resistance. WOAH emphasizes the importance of a coordinated, science-based approach to animal health, advocating for the "One Health" strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. Going forward, the WOAH aims to use this new annual assessment to inform global strategies and promote collaboration in addressing current and emerging animal health threats.