1st State of the World’s Animal Health report

The first State of the World’s Animal Health report was released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on 23 May 2025. The report provides the first comprehensive review of animal disease trends, risks and challenges, from the uptake and availability of vaccines to the use of antibiotics in animals.

Rising Animal Health Threats: Key Findings

Increase in Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Outbreaks in Mammals

• 1,022 outbreaks reported in 55 countries in 2024, more than double the 459 outbreaks in 2023.
• Although human infection risk remains low, the spread to mammals (e.g. cattle, cats, dogs) raises concern about potential mammal-to-mammal and human transmission.

Bird Flu (HPAI) Impact

• Over 630 million birds have been culled or lost globally in the last two decades due to high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
• The disease expanded into new geographic areas in the past year.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)

• Traditionally affected sheep and goats in developing countries.
• Has re-emerged in Europe, signaling changing disease distribution patterns.

African Swine Fever (ASF)

• Reached Sri Lanka, 1,800 km from the nearest known outbreaks, showing rapid long-distance spread.

Zoonotic Disease Risk

• Nearly 50% of WOAH-listed diseases (2005–2023) are zoonotic — capable of transmitting from animals to humans.

Contributing Factors

• Climate change and global trade are driving the spread, emergence, and prevalence of animal diseases.

Other Focus Areas in the Report

• Vaccination uptake and availability.
• Antibiotic use in animals, with implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).