Livestock support more than 750 million of the world’s poorest people. This brochure makes the case that improving animal health should be an integral part of strategies aimed at food security and sustainable development in the context of climate change.

Firstly, to reduce impacts of climate change on animal health and the spread of pathogens – as the majority of emerging diseases have an animal origin. Secondly, to mitigate effects of climate change – as healthier animals are more productive and generate lower emissions per weight of product. Thirdly, to adapt to climate changes – as animals are more resilient than crops to adapt to marginal conditions and withstand climate shocks.

To address these challenges, opportunities for action are presented – including developing capacity to tackle animal disease events triggered by climate change, promoting One Health approaches, and investing in public and private collaboration and research. Ongoing FAO activities in these areas are presented including tools, platforms and strategies to track, forecast and support control of disease outbreaks. FAO issues a call to action for strengthened engagement, investment and collaboration at the interface of animal health and climate change in order to improve food security while protecting the planet.