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
24/6
2026
Early warning and digital innovation for One Health surveillance
24/06/2026
Join the ENTRVST scientific webinar on how early warning systems and digital innovation can strengthen One Health surveillance in Asia and the Pacific. Emerging infectious diseases, zoonotic threats and transboundary animal diseases...
22/6
2026
Peste des petits ruminants Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT): Introducing the new e-learning course
22/06/2026
Join us for the official launch of the new Peste des petits ruminants Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT) e-learning course, designed to support countries and partners in building a stronger understanding and more consistent application of the PMAT process...
Publications
Videos
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) -Strengthening One Health and emergency preparedness & response
02/06/2026
This webinar equipped stakeholders and frontline professionals with up-to-date knowledge on CCHF epidemiology and risk factors, as well as practical...
Lumpy skin disease prevention and control – Part 2
26/05/2026
This webinar series will bring together leading international experts to address key topics including LSD epidemiology and surveillance, vector transmission...
Lumpy skin disease prevention and control – Part 1
26/05/2026
Originally confined to sub-Saharan Africa, LSD has progressively spread to new regions since 2000, raising growing concerns for animal health. Affecting...