In News:

Infectious animal diseases are spreading to previously unaffected regions and species, with nearly half (47 per cent) capable of zoonotic transmission or spreading between animals, according to the inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health report released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Key Details:

Published by:

• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly OIE (Office International des Epizooties), founded in 1924, headquartered in Paris.
• Recognized by the WTO for setting global standards on animal health and zoonotic disease control.

Objective of the Report:

• To provide a comprehensive global assessment of animal health trends, risks, and disease outbreaks.
• To promote a One Health approach, linking animal health with human health and environmental sustainability.

Major Findings:

1. Rising Zoonotic Threats:

• 47% of animal diseases reported between 2005–2023 have zoonotic potential (can spread from animals to humans).
• These include avian influenza, African swine fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

2. Geographic Expansion of Diseases:

• Diseases are emerging in new regions and species due to climate change, global trade, and ecosystem disruptions.
• Example: ASF jumped over 1,800 km to reach Sri Lanka in 2024, marking the year's most significant disease leap.
• PPR re-emerged in Europe, traditionally limited to developing regions.

3. Avian Influenza Evolution:

• Over 630 million birds culled or lost in 20 years.
• In 2024, more outbreaks were reported in non-poultry species (55 countries) than poultry (42 countries).
• Mammal infections doubled, raising concerns of cross-species transmission.

4. Other Notable Disease Events:

• Germany faced its first FMD outbreak since 1988.
• New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly, re-emerged in Mexico and Nicaragua.
• Bluetongue virus reported in 23 countries with over 3,500 cases in 2024.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Global Threat

Key Data:

• By 2050, AMR may cause:
  • Loss of livestock threatening food security for 2 billion people.
  • $100 trillion global economic loss.

Drivers:

• Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock, aquaculture, and agriculture.
• Around 20% of countries still use antimicrobials as growth promoters, including high-priority drugs like colistin and enrofloxacin.

Trends:

• Global antibiotic use in animals fell by 5% (2020–2022).
  • Europe: 23% decline.
  • Africa: 20% decline.

Recommendations by WOAH:

• Enhance vaccine access and distribution, especially in low-income countries.
• Strengthen Veterinary Services, surveillance, and biosecurity.
• Improve hygiene and disease prevention to reduce antibiotic dependence.
• Promote international cooperation under the One Health framework.
• Ban or regulate the use of antibiotics as growth promoters.

About WOAH:

• Intergovernmental organization with 183 member countries, including India.
• Monitors, controls, and reports on animal diseases to ensure safe trade, public health, and food security.
• Partner in Global Action Plan on AMR with WHO and FAO.

Indian Initiatives on AMR & Animal Health:

• National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) – Focus on awareness, surveillance, infection control, and R&D.
• FSSAI guidelines to regulate antibiotic residues in food of animal origin.
• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – Focus on vaccination against FMD and Brucellosis.