Are Infectious Animal Diseases Migrating to New Species and Threatening Humans?
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Synopsis
A global report reveals that nearly half of infectious animal diseases are spreading to new species, posing a significant risk to human health and global food security. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved vaccination and preventive measures against zoonotic diseases. Discover how these changes are reshaping agriculture and health systems worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- 47% of animal diseases have zoonotic potential.
- Over 1,000 avian influenza outbreaks reported in mammals last year.
- Climate change and trade are major factors in disease spread.
- Access to animal vaccines is uneven worldwide.
- Vaccination is crucial for disease prevention and public health.
New Delhi, May 24 (NationPress) Infectious animal diseases are spreading to new regions and species, with nearly half (47 percent) having zoonotic potential—meaning they can transfer from animals to humans—heightening the risk of emerging pandemics, as detailed in a global report.
This annual evaluation, released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), offers an extensive overview of trends, risks, and challenges associated with animal diseases, covering issues such as vaccine availability and antibiotic usage in livestock.
The report revealed that the number of avian influenza outbreaks reported in mammals surged to over double last year’s figures, reaching 1,022 outbreaks across 55 nations in 2024, compared to just 459 outbreaks in 2023.
Although the current threat to humans remains minimal, the authors cautioned that as more mammalian species, including cattle, cats, and dogs, become infected, the likelihood of the virus adapting for mammal-to-mammal and potentially human transmission increases.
Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of WOAH, stated, “The spread, prevalence, and impact of infectious animal diseases are evolving, posing new challenges for agriculture, food security, human health, and natural ecosystems.”
The report further noted the rising distribution and severity of diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, foot and mouth disease (FMD), and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). It warned that their expansion is destabilizing agrifood systems, which could threaten global food security and biodiversity, alongside human health.
Factors like climate change and increased trade have been identified as significant contributors to the spread and prevalence of these diseases, with major occurrences recorded across various regions in 2024 and early 2025.
Despite many of these diseases being preventable through vaccination, improved hygiene, and biosecurity measures, the report indicated that access to animal vaccines is not evenly distributed worldwide.
Dr. Soubeyran emphasized, “Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for disease prevention, saving lives, averting economic losses, and minimizing the need for antimicrobial treatments.”
The importance of disease prevention in reducing the reliance on antibiotics and curbing the rise of drug-resistant diseases was also highlighted in the report.
Point of View
I recognize the critical implications of this report on infectious animal diseases. With the potential for zoonotic diseases to impact human health and global food security, we must prioritize vaccination and biosecurity measures. This situation demands attention and action from governments and health organizations worldwide to prevent future pandemics.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are zoonotic diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, increasing the risk of new pandemics.
How many infectious animal diseases are zoonotic?
According to the report, nearly half (47%) of infectious animal diseases show zoonotic potential.
What factors contribute to the spread of these diseases?
Factors such as climate change and increased trade are major contributors to the spread of infectious animal diseases.
How can we prevent these diseases?
Preventive measures include vaccination, improved hygiene, and biosecurity practices to reduce transmission risks.
What is the impact on global food security?
The proliferation of infectious animal diseases threatens agrifood systems, which can compromise global food security and biodiversity.
