The virus was first identified in 1998 in Malaysia and subsequently in Singapore. Fruit bats (Pteropus spp.) are the main natural reservoir of NiV, while pigs acted as intermediate and amplifier hosts during the Malaysia outbreak. The epidemic had devastating impacts on pig farming, leading to extensive culling and movement restrictions and causing major economic losses in the livestock sector. Since 2001, seasonal outbreaks have occurred in Bangladesh and sporadic incidents in India, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala states. In Bangladesh, outbreaks typically occur between December and April and are linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by bat excreta. Transmission may occur from bats to humans through contaminated food, from livestock to humans, and between humans through close contact. 

Beyond its public health impact, Nipah virus disease has significant implications for agriculture, food systems and the environment. Outbreaks can disrupt livestock production, food security, rural livelihoods, trade and tourism. Spillover events are often influenced by land-use change, agricultural intensification, wildlife habitat disruption and food production practices that increase contact between bats, livestock and people. Preventing Nipah virus transmission therefore contributes not only to protecting human health, but also to strengthening safe and resilient agrifood systems, conserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable development. 

FAO supports countries in reducing the risk of Nipah virus spillover through a multisectoral One Health approach that links agriculture, animal health, food safety and environmental management. Given the high mortality and epidemic potential of Nipah virus, FAO works with governments to strengthen animal health system's preparedness, allow timely joint risk assessment and conduct contingency planning in areas at risk through an One Health approach. 

A core focus of FAO’s work is prevention at source within agrifood systems. This includes promoting good agricultural practices to prevent pathogen spillover to livestock and humans, practical food safety measures to prevent foodborne transmission, and integrating zoonotic disease risk assessment and measures into forestry, land-use planning and ecosystem management. 

FAO also works closely with affected countries together with partners to support community-based prevention strategies that are culturally feasible and livelihood-sensitive, working with farmers, sap harvesters and market actors to co-design protective practices that prevent disease spillover while maintaining economic viability. 

Through strengthened surveillance to detect spillover events, early warning systems to detect and report even a small clusters or single cases in humans and animals, cross-sector coordination for prevention, preparedness, and response, and risk communication to enhance risk perceptions in the community towards NiV under One Health frameworks, FAO contributes to reducing the likelihood and impact of future Nipah virus outbreaks while promoting safe and resilient agrifood systems and biodiversity conservation.