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
publications
FAO alert on avian influenza
FAO calls for increased vigilance and preparedness for avian influenza (AI) during the traditional New Year festivities that will take place across Asia starting during the second week of February 2024.
news
FAO Virtual Learning Centers launches free self-paced course on avian influenza
The FAO Virtual Learning Centers (VLC) has announced the launch of self-paced virtual course dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing concerns in the poultry industry: avian influenza (AI).
publications
Rinderpest – A pocket guide for veterinary students and graduates
This publication on rinderpest aims to improve knowledge and capacities to suspect and rapidly identify and control an outbreak if re-emergence occurs.
stories
Five ways FAO fights for animal health – and why
Millions of people rely on animals not only for food but also for livelihoods and core needs such as clothing, transport and power. However, animal health can also greatly affect human health.
stories
Ensuring animal health in Afghanistan - and beyond
FAO trained over 1 000 community-based animal health workers across Afghanistan to carry out routine checkups, perform vaccinations and raise awareness about the prevention of contagious diseases through early treatment.
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.
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16/ 4
2024
18/4
2024
Global consultation on integration of data and information for epidemic intelligence and decision-support in disease surveillance
Hybrid Event, 16/04/2024 - 18/04/2024
The upcoming consultation aims to develop a roadmap for integrating databases, information systems, and risk forecasting tools into EMPRES-i+, all while prioritizing the user perspective. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions to identify needs and opportunities for fostering integration and contributing to a more robust and collaborative approach for epidemic intelligence and disease...
7/ 3
2024
Developing gender-sensitive biosecurity plans for smallholder farmers
Virtual Event, 07/03/2024
FAO is conducting a series of knowledge-rich webinars on a monthly basis as part of the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity Community of Practice. The upcoming webinar will showcase the approach taken by FAO to improve veterinary paraprofessional (VPP) services and outreach to female smallholder farmers.
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How climate change affects animal health
10/07/2023
Livestock play a vital role in our diets, providing 33% of high-quality protein and 17% of our dietary calories globally. However, climate change is...
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...