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
Stories
Events
19/5
2026
Integrated broiler management: Linking hygiene protocols to antimicrobial use
19/05/2026
The upcoming webinar will showcase how biosecurity in the poultry sector contributes to reducing the need for antimicrobials. First, drawing on field evidence from commercial broiler farms in Pakistan...
14/5
2026
FAO Global Webinar on Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
14/05/2026
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a severe zoonotic disease transmitted mainly through infected ticks or direct contact with blood or tissues from infected animals and people. Livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats...
Publications
Videos
Artificial intelligence and biosecurity: bridging science and practice for predictive animal health
04/05/2026
The webinar will bring together cutting edge innovation and practical field experience to explore how animal biosecurity can be strengthened from farm...
Global One Health Intelligence in action - Official launch of the GLEWS+ platform and website
28/04/2026
GLEWS+ is a flagship One Health intelligence mechanism jointly established by FAO, WHO and WOAH to strengthen collaboration across sectors and improve...
Current global situation and emerging risks for foot-and-mouth disease
27/04/2026
FMD remains one of the most contagious and economically significant transboundary animal diseases, with major implications for food security, livelihoods,...