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
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...

FAO Alert on avian influenza – Risk of upsurge and regional spread through wild birds in Latin America and the Caribbean
06/2026

FAO warns of a renewed risk of upsurge and regional spread of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since...

Global control of African swine fever - A GF-TADs initiative 2026–2030
06/2026

African swine fever remains one of the most serious threats to pig production, livelihoods, food security, and safe trade. ASF has spread across Africa,...

The future of antimicrobial use in livestock – The economic cost of action or inaction
06/2026

This report shows that rising antimicrobial use is not an unavoidable consequence of growing demand for animal source foods. With coherent policies,...

Joint PPR Roadmap for the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Region and the FMD Roadmap Meetingfor the West Eurasia (WEA) Region - Meeting report
06/2026

The publication addresses the needs of veterinary authorities, technical experts, and policy-makers by offering actionable recommendations, benchmarking...

Mainstreaming the eradication of peste des petits ruminants into national development plans
05/2026

The guidelines explore the steps involved in mainstreaming PPR eradication issues into national development planning processes, namely the appointment...

Global control of African swine fever - A GF-TADs initiative (2020-2025)
05/2026

African swine fever remains one of the most serious threats to pig production, livelihoods, food security, and safe trade. ASF has spread across Africa,...

Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH public health assessment of recent high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5) virus events in animals and people. Assessment based on data as of 1 March 2026
05/2026

This risk assessment from FAO, WHO and WOAH updates the assessment of the risk of zoonotic transmission (for example, animal to human) considering additional...

Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Southern Africa - Emerging trends and regional implications
05/2026

This edition of EMPRES Watch presents an evidence‑based overview of the escalating foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) situation in southern Africa, where...

News

   

Voices of impact
Strengthening early warning and biosecurity in Ghana
17/07/2026

Through the voices of farmers, field officers, laboratory staff and technical experts in Ghana, this video shows how risks can now be identified in...

Stories
Upcoming events
Hybrid Event, 24/07/2026

This high-level event will demonstrate strong political commitment to the mechanism, present its implementation and governance arrangements, and highlight opportunities for engagement and partnership.

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