FAO's role in animal health
The link between human and animal populations, and the surrounding environment, is particularly close in developing regions where animals provide transportation, draught power, fuel, clothing, high-quality proteins (meat, eggs and milk) and source of income. Therefore, animal health is a core element for sustainable development and livestock production.
As changes in livestock production increase the potential for new pathogens to emerge, grow and spread from animals to humans, healthy animals are closely related to healthy people and a healthy environment. Through the One Health approach, FAO contributes to improving animal health to make livestock production more productive and sustainable while achieving optimal health for all at the human-animal-environment interface.
Areas of work
Highlights
publication
Guidelines for sustainable tick control and acaricide resistance management in livestock
These guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to managing tick infestations and acaricide resistance in cattle.
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publication
Global strategy for the prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (2024–2033). In brief
This four-pager document provides a high-level strategic direction to support and inform the development and/or revision of national and regional action plans for HPAI prevention and control.
news
Empowering women's leadership in One Health — insights from West Africa
Nafinatu Abdullahi, Veterinary Paraprofessional Training Specialist at FAO Nigeria, reflects on the importance of empowering women in leadership roles to address challenges and drive progress in community health and gender equality in the country.
stories
Fighting animal diseases in Yemen
Tariq Al-Haidari is one of 200 community animal health workers trained by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through a project funded by the World Bank.
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programmes
Programme Against African Trypanosomosis (PAAT)
African trypanosomosis is a lethal parasitic disease caused by single-celled organisms transmitted by blood-sucking tsetse flies. The disease affects both humans (sleeping sickness) and livestock (nagana).
in focus
FAO Reference Centres
The FAO Reference Centres for animal health are institutions designated by the Director-General to provide specific and technical device and services to FAO Member Countries on issues related to FAO’s mandate.
Events
11/12
2025
Strengthening capacity in Africa to tackle Rift Valley fever | Part 2
11/12/2025
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that affects both livestock and humans, with serious consequences for public health, food security, and livelihoods. Endemic in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula...
2/12
2025
Biosecurity procedures at a wildlife rehabilitation facility during a high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreak
02/12/2025
The high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in 2022 posed an unprecedent challenge for wildlife rehabilitators: how could they continue their work while preventing the spread of a highly contagious foreign animal disease?
Videos
Sustainable tick control and acaricide resistance management in livestock
12/08/2025
Ticks, mosquitoes, biting midges and tsetse flies pose serious threats to the health of both animals and humans and lead to productivity losses that...
Working together to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants
10/01/2020
This video explains what Peste des Petits Ruminants is, how it affects sheep and goats, its potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods and incomes, and...
Global disease intelligence and tracking through FAO EMPRES-i+
10/01/2022
EMPRES-i+ is FAO’s new global animal disease information system that aims to improve intelligence, forecasting and early warning, enabling countries...