Animal health

Healthy animals are the foundation of sustainable agrifood systems, supporting food security, resilient livelihoods and One Health.

FAO's role in animal health

Healthy animals are at the heart of resilient agrifood systems. They contribute to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, economic development and healthier ecosystems while reducing the risk of diseases that affect animals and people.

FAO supports countries in strengthening animal health systems through prevention and control, surveillance and early warning, emergency preparedness and response, stronger veterinary services and laboratories, and a One Health approach. Working closely with governments and partners, FAO helps countries anticipate risks, respond to emerging threats and build a healthier and more sustainable future.

Areas of work

Publications
Global framework to accelerate action on avian influenza
09/2026

Recognizing the complexity and transboundary and transcontinental nature of zoonotic influenza threats and their potential pandemics, this global framework...

Identification of episystems for targeting and managing peste des petits ruminants
08/2026

The successful eradication of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and the control of small ruminant diseases (SRD) depends on achieving and sustaining...

Risk assessment of the introduction, spread, and zoonotic spillover of MERS-CoV Clade B in camel populations of the Nile Basin and Across Africa. GLEWS+ Risk Assessment
08/2026

The GLEWS+ Tripartite Risk Assessment is now available, evaluating the risk of introduction, spread of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus...

FAO and IGAD highlight increased Rift Valley fever risk associated with strong El Niño conditions in Eastern Africa
07/2026

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a climate-sensitive, vector-borne viral disease affecting animals and humans, with major impacts on livestock production,...

FAO Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases
07/2026

The FAO GPP-TAD is a strategic mechanism designed to address the growing and interconnected threats posed by transboundary animal diseases (TADs) to...

One Health and forest invasive species: A position paper
07/2026

Forest invasive species are one of the five key direct drivers of biodiversity loss, with cascading effects across the health of humans, domestic and...

Rapid economic impact assessment of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype SAT1 spread in Asia and the Pacific. Implications for preparedness, prioritization and investment
07/2026

Following the detection of FMD serotype SAT1 in China in March 2026, FAO has conducted a rapid economic assessment of potential consequences for Asia...

Rwanda: Evaluation for action. Assessing animal disease surveillance capacities, 29 July to 9 August 2024
07/2026

This report provides detailed SET outputs and recommendations validated by the Rwanda Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) with guidance for the veterinary...

Manual on feed risk assessment
07/2026

This manual provides a clear and concise description of the risk assessment process when animals are exposed to a hazard in feed and offers practical...

FAO Alert on avian influenza – Risk of upsurge and regional spread through wild birds in Latin America and the Caribbean
06/2026

FAO warns of a renewed risk of upsurge and regional spread of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since...

Global control of African swine fever - A GF-TADs initiative 2026–2030
06/2026

African swine fever remains one of the most serious threats to pig production, livelihoods, food security, and safe trade. ASF has spread across Africa,...

The future of antimicrobial use in livestock – The economic cost of action or inaction
06/2026

This report shows that rising antimicrobial use is not an unavoidable consequence of growing demand for animal source foods. With coherent policies,...

Joint PPR Roadmap for the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Region and the FMD Roadmap Meetingfor the West Eurasia (WEA) Region - Meeting report
06/2026

The publication addresses the needs of veterinary authorities, technical experts, and policy-makers by offering actionable recommendations, benchmarking...

News

   

Voices of impact
Connecting surveillance and laboratory systems for faster animal health responses in Ghana
17/06/2026

 As health threats become increasingly complex and interconnected, laboratories play a critical role in detecting risks, supporting diagnosis and...

Stories
Upcoming events
29/09/2026

Foot-and-Mouth Diseas (FMD) remains one of the most important transboundary animal diseases (TADs) affecting livestock production, food security, livelihoods and trade across the Middle East. The movement of animals and animal products across national borders...

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