The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has recently released its first Global Animal Health Report, highlighting two significant threats: Avian Influenza and antimicrobial resistance. These issues are critical due to their potential impact on animal health, human health, and global food security.
Avian Influenza: a growing concern
Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has seen a worrying increase in outbreaks, particularly in mammals. In 2024, there were 1,022 reported outbreaks, more than double the 459 cases in 2023. This surge is alarming because the virus, while currently not a significant threat to human health, has been found in livestock such as dairy cattle, as well as in pets like cats and dogs. These infections could potentially lead to mutations that might enable the virus to transmit to humans.
Over the past two decades, Avian Influenza has caused the death or culling of over 630 million birds worldwide, making it one of the most severe global animal health threats. The WOAH report emphasizes the need for enhanced biosecurity measures and effective vaccination programs to prevent the spread of this disease. The organization also calls for increased international cooperation to ensure equitable access to vaccines and control tools.
Antimicrobial Resistance: a silent threat
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is another critical issue highlighted in the OMSA report. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine have accelerated this process.
The WOAH report points out that AMR is a growing threat to global health, food security, and development. It stresses the importance of adopting a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This approach involves coordinated efforts across various sectors to combat AMR effectively.
The way forward
To address these threats, the WOAH report recommends several strategies. For Avian Influenza, it suggests strengthening surveillance systems to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly. It also advocates for research into new vaccines and treatments to stay ahead of the virus’s evolution.
In the case of AMR, the report calls for stricter regulations on the use of antibiotics in agriculture and veterinary medicine. It also highlights the need for global collaboration to develop and implement policies that promote the responsible use of antimicrobials.
In conclusion, the WOAH’s Global Animal Health Report underscores the urgent need to address Avian Influenza and antimicrobial resistance. By taking proactive measures and fostering international cooperation, we can mitigate these threats and protect both animal and human health.
Sources: Available upon request