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
Highlights
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publications
Global strategy for the prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (2024–2033). In brief
This four-pager document provides a high-level strategic direction to support and inform the development and/or revision of national and regional action plans for HPAI prevention and control.
news
VLC voices: Empowering women's leadership in One Health — insights from West Africa
Nafinatu Abdullahi, Veterinary Paraprofessional Training Specialist at FAO Nigeria, reflects on the importance of empowering women in leadership roles to address challenges and drive progress in community health and gender equality in the country.
stories
Fighting animal diseases in Yemen
Tariq Al-Haidari is one of 200 community animal health workers trained by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through a project funded by the World Bank.
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programmes
Programme Against African Trypanosomosis (PAAT)
African trypanosomosis is a lethal parasitic disease caused by single-celled organisms transmitted by blood-sucking tsetse flies. The disease affects both humans (sleeping sickness) and livestock (nagana).
In focus
FAO Reference Centres
The FAO Reference Centres for animal health are institutions designated by the Director-General to provide specific and technical device and services to FAO Member Countries on issues related to FAO’s mandate.
Events
23/ 9
2024
25/9
2024
FAO Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres and Vaccines
23/09/2024 - 25/09/2024
This conference will provide a forum for FAO Members to discuss major challenges and priorities in animal health and One Health. With the active participation of reference centres, vaccine developers and producers, veterinary laboratories, research institutions, and development partners.
18/ 9
2024
Global webinar on rabies
Virtual Event, 18/09/2024
To commemorate World Rabies Day 2024, this FAO webinar will share information about FAO’s activities and countries’ experience on using the One Health approach to tackle rabies.
Videos
How climate change affects animal health
10/07/2023
Livestock play a vital role in our diets, providing 33% of high-quality protein and 17% of our dietary calories globally. However, climate change is...
Working together to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants
10/01/2020
This video explains what Peste des Petits Ruminants is, how it affects sheep and goats, its potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods and incomes, and...
Global disease intelligence and tracking through FAO EMPRES-i+
10/01/2022
EMPRES-i+ is FAO’s new global animal disease information system that aims to improve intelligence, forecasting and early warning, enabling countries...