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
El Niño heightens Rift Valley fever risk in eastern Africa: countries urged to prepare
10/2026

El Niño conditions are now very strong, comparable to the 1997–1998 event that triggered one of the largest Rift Valley fever (RVF) epizootics and epidemics...

Near East Regional Roadmap 2026–2030
10/2026

The foot-and-mouth disease regional strategy provides a framework to guide actions and activities to optimize support to countries to implement their...

Call to strengthen prevention, surveillance and preparedness measures against high pathogenicity avian influenza in Latin America and the Caribbean
10/2026

FAO calls on countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen prevention and surveillance measures and to increase their level of alert and...

21st meeting of the FAO-WOAH Rinderpest Joint Advisory Committee - Report
10/2026

The FAO-WOAH Rinderpest Joint Advisory Committee reviewed progress in global rinderpest post-eradication activities and discussed priorities for maintaining...

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...

News

   

Voices of impact
FAO Virtual Learning Centers: Building One Health capacities
21/09/2026

Building knowledge and skills is essential to address evolving challenges across animal, human and environmental health. FAO Virtual Learning Centers...

Stories
Upcoming events
02/11/2026 - 06/10/2026

FAO and Gorilla Doctors will bring together wildlife and animal health professionals from 12 African countries for hands-on training in wildlife disease surveillance, early detection and response to zoonotic threats...

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