International: World’s Animal Health Report 2026

The World Organisation for Animal Health has published the report “State of the World’s Animal Health 2026”. It provides a global overview of animal health threats, their detection and containment, and their impact on humans. The report makes it clear that animal health is severely underfunded. Only 0.6 % of global health spending goes to this sector, even though animal diseases destroy annually over 20 % of livestock worldwide.  

Of particular note are the over 2000 reported outbreaks of avian influenza in 64 countries between 2025 and 2026, which lead to the culling of more than 140 million poultry. In addition, exceptional outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease occurred in Southern Africa, which also re-emerged in Europe. African swine fever continues to spread, as does the New World screwworm. 

Since 75 % of emerging infectious diseases in humans are of animal origin, animal health systems serve as a crucial first line of defense against their outbreaks and possible future pandemics. Yet, veterinary capacity is declining in many countries.  

The report therefore calls for greater investment in prevention and animal health systems. Furthermore, it should be more firmly integrated into health, economic, and security strategies. Improving veterinary services in every country to meet international standards would require around USD 2.3 billion per year – less than 0.05 % of the economic damage caused by COVID-19 in 2020.