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
20/4
2026
Current global situation and emerging risks for foot-and-mouth disease
20/04/2026
FMD remains one of the most contagious and economically significant transboundary animal diseases, with major implications for food security, livelihoods, and trade. Recent developments, including the spread of SAT1 and SAT2 serotypes...
1/4
2026
From control to elimination: Translating evidence into practice for animal brucellosis surveillance and control
01/04/2026
This webinar will explore approaches for designing surveillance and vaccination strategies across diverse epidemiological settings, demonstrate how multi-scale risk assessment can guide targeted interventions, and highlight practical experiences...
Publications
Videos
Data-driven biosecurity: modelling risk and ensuring continuity in animal production
26/03/2026
Strengthening biosecurity in modern livestock systems requires practical tools that translate complex interactions between farms, people and animals...
Launch of the Mpox guide on animal case detection
19/03/2026
FAO officially launched a new publication “Mpox case detection in animals - A guide to epidemiological and laboratory investigations”, which is a new...
Veterinary biosecurity performance roadmap - Operationalize leadership in prevention and emergency disease control
19/02/2026
The webinar focuses on the strategic, practical, and operational role of veterinarians in strengthening biosecurity across animal health systems. With...