Animal health

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
stories
The Screwworm menace affecting animals and threatening humans in Senegal
Events

5/5

2026

05/05/2026

FMD continues to pose a major global threat to food security, livelihoods, and trade. Ensuring access to effective and well-matched vaccines remains a critical pillar of disease prevention and control, particularly in light of recent incursions of exotic serotypes such as SAT1 and SAT2 into new regions...

21/4

2026

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...

Publications
Sixth annual meeting of the Peste des Petits Ruminants Global Research and Expertise Network(PPR-GREN) - 28–30 November 2023, India
04/2026

The Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Peste des Petits Ruminants Global Research and Expertise Network (PPR-GREN) is a report aimed at...

FAO alerts countries in Asia and the Pacific to enhance preparedness for foot-and-mouth disease SAT1
04/2026

FAO calls on countries and territories to enhance vigilance and preparedness in response to the continued spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus...

Sheep pox and goat pox – A field manual for veterinarians
04/2026

This field manual provides veterinarians and animal health professionals with clear, practical guidance for the early detection, control and prevention...

FAO and IGAD warn: Flooding and rainfall increase Rift Valley fever threat across eastern and southern Africa – April 2026
04/2026

FAO urges countries to increase awareness, enhance preparedness, and protect vulnerable communities, livestock, and livelihoods. Strong coordination...

FAO Alert on avian influenza – Risk of upsurge and regional spread through wild birds in Latin America and the Caribbean
04/2026

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...

Recommendations from the FAO Global Dialogue - Tackling high pathogenicity avian influenza together. Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil – 11 September 2025
03/2026

This publication summarizes the key recommendations from the FAO global dialogue on high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) held in Foz do Iguaçu,...

FAO alert on increased avian influenza risk during Lunar New Year poultry movements in Asia
02/2026

FAO calls for heightened vigilance and preparedness for avian influenza (AI) during the Lunar New Year festivities across Asia in the week of 15 February...

Considerations for competent authorities and livestock industries on use of African swine fever vaccines (Genotype II) to enhance disease control
01/2026

Once confined to sub-Saharan Africa, African swine fever (ASF) has now become a global panzootic, threatening food security, livelihoods, international...

Increased risk of high pathogenicity avian influenza introduction and spread in Africa
12/2025

FAO calls for heightened surveillance and preparedness for avian influenza (AI) during the period from December to March. Given the ongoing situation...

Improving poultry health and productivity - Practical training materials for veterinarians and farmers for better farm management
12/2025

This volume is part of a broader series that also addresses other major production systems and livestock species, including dairy cattle, beef cattle,...

Videos
Global One Health Intelligence in action - Official launch of the GLEWS+ platform and website
28/04/2026

GLEWS+ is a flagship One Health intelligence mechanism jointly established by FAO, WHO and WOAH to strengthen collaboration across sectors and improve...

Current global situation and emerging risks for foot-and-mouth disease
27/04/2026

FMD remains one of the most contagious and economically significant transboundary animal diseases, with major implications for food security, livelihoods,...

Improving Collaboration between Veterinarians and Veterinary Paraprofessionals. Experiences from Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa
21/04/2026

FAO in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the African Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA), presents this webinar on...