Research reveals groundbreaking cost of antimicrobial resistance, a historical moment at the UNGA, and the impact of disease on wildlife
World Organisation for Animal Health
Improving animal health globally, thereby ensuring a better future for all. (WOAH, founded as OIE)
Superbugs could jeopardise food security for over two billion people and increase annual health care costs by US$ 159 billion annually by 2050
The EcoAMR series, led by WOAH, used the latest data from 204 countries and 621 subnational locations to forecast the impact of AMR on mortality, health care costs, food security and the global economy. The data forecasts the full toll of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on people, livestock and the economy and estimates a return of US$ 28 for every US$ 1 invested in drug innovation and health care improvements. The EcoAMR series estimates that about 39 million people could die due to AMR by 2050, especially among older people and those in low- and middle-income countries.
The impact of widespread animal diseases on wildlife
Diseases that already affect domestic animals worldwide – including African swine fever (ASF) and high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) – are endangering wildlife too, finds a new WOAH report, posing a significant threat to biodiversity and jeopardising efforts to eradicate these diseases.
What WOAH is doing
A historical moment for antimicrobial resistance at the UNGA
WOAH, along with its Quadripartite partners (FAO, UNEP, WHO) and other global leaders approve the political declaration at the 79th UNGA High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), committing to a clear set of targets and actions, including reducing the estimated 4.95 million human deaths associated with bacterial AMR annually by 10% by 2030.
Guinea’s fight against rabies: success in first nationwide dog vaccination
With help from WOAH’s vaccine bank, Guinea has taken a significant step toward eliminating rabies with its first-ever nationwide dog vaccination campaign. Through collaboration and awareness initiatives, the country is on a mission to eliminate the spread of dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Launch of Competency and Curricula guidelines for Community Animal Health Workers
WOAH is hosting three webinars to launch the Guidelines for Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs). To enhance the skills and knowledge of CAHWs, WOAH has developed Competency and Curriculum Guidelines. These guidelines will serve to enhance CAHWs skills, effectiveness and their proper integration within the veterinary workforce. This initiative aims to strengthen Veterinary Services, especially in rural and underserved areas, by ensuring that CAHWs are well-equipped to provide essential animal healthcare.
New guidelines for disease surveillance released to better protect wildlife
In collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), WOAH has released updated guidelines for the surveillance of diseases, pathogens, and toxic agents in free-ranging wildlife. These guidelines are designed for wildlife authorities and those working with wildlife, and provide a framework to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with wildlife diseases and their potential impact on human health.
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New additions to your reading list
General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife
WOAH in the press
HK suspends poultry imports from Hungary, US due to H5N1 outbreak by Honk Kong Business
Meat imports from Turkey suspended after foot and mouth disease outbreak by Business World
Farmers warned as Greece reports outbreaks of bluetongue in sheep and goats by The Independent
Devastating bird flu strain 'on Australia's doorstep' by The Canberra Times
Sardinia’s sheep farmers battle bluetongue as climate warms by Times Malta
Poultry industry braces for economic hit from avian flu by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Beef exports to China and Korea suspended after ‘atypical BSE’ case by Irish Independent
Rabies, a deadly threat to man's best friend by The Standard
Disease of the month: Myxomatosis
The virus that causes the disease originates in wild rabbits of South America and was first isolated in Uruguay in 1898. Myxomatosis only affects rabbits. The virus causes a very mild disease in its original host native to South America, but in some species of rabbits and hares, especially European rabbits, it causes a severe disease with high mortality. It is spread through fleas and mosquitoes that ingest the virus while biting infected animals then transmit the disease to other susceptible animals. It can also spread directly from animal to animal or by contact with fomites.