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
21/4
2026
Artificial intelligence and biosecurity: bridging science and practice for predictive animal health
21/04/2026
The upcoming webinar will bring together cutting‑edge innovation and practical field experience to explore how animal biosecurity can be strengthened from farm to policy level. Participants will learn how artificial intelligence and digital tools...
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...
Publications
Videos
Assessing the impact of the 'Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs project in Nigeria
10/04/2026
In Nigeria, as in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there are relatively few veterinarians, and public veterinary services necessarily focus on surveillance...
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...