In 2024, wildfires burned approximately 2.6 million hectares of the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands and one of its richest biodiversity hotspots, destroying habitat for countless wild animals while threatening livestock production and rural livelihoods. The Pantanal is only one example of a growing global challenge. In recent years, severe wildfires have affected Southern Europe, the Amazon Basin, Oceania, parts of North America and many tropical regions, demonstrating that no region is immune.

In 2025, an estimated 335 million hectares burned worldwide, illustrating that increasingly severe wildfire seasons are affecting ecosystems, livestock, wildlife and communities across every inhabited continent.

As highlighted in the State of the World’s Animal Health 2026 report, the world is facing increasingly complex animal health risks driven by climate change, shifting ecosystems and growing pressure on Veterinary Services. In 2026, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is further exacerbating drought and extreme weather conditions around the world, increasing the risk and severity of wildfires. Building resilient Veterinary Services is therefore not only an investment in animal health, but also an investment in preparedness for the climate- and environment-related emergencies that are becoming more frequent and more complex. 

While the devastating impacts of wildfires on people and the environment are widely recognised, their consequences for animals can often receive less attention. Wildfires can cause widespread animal suffering and mortality, disrupt livestock production, destroy habitats and biodiversity, and undermine the livelihoods of rural communities. They can also reshape the way wildlife, farm animals and people interact long after the flames have been extinguished. Displaced wildlife may move into farming areas as well as human settlements, livestock are often relocated across regions, and damaged ecosystems can alter disease dynamics and disease transmission mechanisms. These cascading effects demonstrate why wildfire preparedness requires coordinated action across animal health, public health, environmental and emergency management sectors. 

Veterinary Services are uniquely positioned to contribute throughout the disaster management cycle. Before wildfires occur, they support prevention (for instance, through promotion of grazing and land use planning), preparedness and emergency planning. During emergencies, they contribute to animal evacuation, emergency veterinary treatment, animal welfare assessments and coordination with emergency responders. In the recovery phase, Veterinary Services help restore essential animal health services, strengthen disease surveillance, monitor the health of livestock and wildlife, and support the recovery of rural livelihoods and affected ecosystems. 

Protecting animal health and welfare during wildfires also strengthens food security, safeguards biodiversity, supports livelihoods and reinforces community resilience. Integrating Veterinary Services into wildfire preparedness is therefore not only about protecting animals, it is about strengthening the resilience of interconnected human, animal and environmental systems. 

Despite their critical contribution, Veterinary Services remain insufficiently integrated into national disaster and emergency management systems in many countries. Strengthening their inclusion before, during and after emergencies will help ensure that animal health and welfare are systematically considered as part of disaster risk reduction and response. 

Across diverse regions, WOAH Members are already demonstrating the value of integrating veterinary expertise into emergency management. In Australia, veterinarians are integrated into emergency animal management through preparedness, response and recovery planning, working alongside emergency authorities to support animal welfare, livestock protection and community resilience during bushfires and other natural disasters. In Brazil, veterinary professionals have played a central role in wildlife rescue, emergency treatment and rehabilitation during the Pantanal wildfires, demonstrating the contribution of veterinary expertise to disaster response in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. 

WOAH’s existing international framework provides a strong foundation for this work through its Guidelines on Disaster Management and Risk Reduction in relation to Animal Health and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, relevant international standards on animal health and welfare, and its commitment to advancing the One Health approach. WOAH also supports Members through training and capacity-building on emergency management using an all-hazards approach, helping strengthen preparedness for a wide range of emergencies, including climate-related disasters. 

WOAH therefore encourages its Members to: 

• integrate animal health and welfare, including wildlife, into national wildfire preparedness, response and recovery plans;  

• strengthen collaboration between Veterinary Services, emergency management authorities, environmental agencies, wildlife authorities and other relevant partners;  

• invest in resilient Veterinary Services and animal health systems capable of responding effectively to climate- and disaster-related emergencies;  

• adopt a whole-of-society approach that promotes prevention, preparedness and resilient land management, to reduce the impacts of future wildfire emergencies; and  

• promote preparedness measures that protect domestic animals, livestock and wildlife while supporting resilient communities.  

As wildfire risks continue to grow, protecting animals cannot remain an afterthought. Integrating Veterinary Services into national disaster management systems helps ensure that emergency responses protect not only people, but also the animals, livelihoods and ecosystems that underpin resilient societies. Through its international standards, technical expertise and global network of Members, WOAH remains committed to supporting countries in building resilient Veterinary Services that are equipped to respond to the challenges of a changing world. 

A major milestone for global health and a strong signal of international commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) : on 21 May 2026, the 183 Members of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) adopted the updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–2036 during WOAH’s 93rd General Session.

The adoption marks a significant achievement for WOAH and the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) partnership on AMR, bringing the global community one step closer to a coordinated, One Health response to one of the most pressing challenges facing human, animal, plant and environmental health. 

Just two days later, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) also adopted the updated Plan during the World Health Assembly, reinforcing a shared commitment across sectors and regions to accelerate action against AMR. 

As the first of the Quadripartite organisations to formally adopt the updated Global Action Plan through its governing body, WOAH demonstrated its leadership and commitment to advancing a coordinated global response to antimicrobial resistance.

A roadmap for the next decade   

The updated GAP-AMR sets out a common vision and strategic direction for the period 2026–2036. It reflects the commitment made by United Nations Member States in the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, which called for a robust and inclusive multisectoral response through a One Health approach that aligns with current realities to drive greater impact against antimicrobial resistance.  

The Plan has six strategic objectives: 

• Strengthen awareness and promote appropriate social and behavioural change 

• Strengthen surveillance systems and laboratory networks to support evidence-based policies and action 

• Intensify infection prevention and control to reduce the burden of infectious diseases and the need for antimicrobials 

• Ensure equitable access, appropriate use and safe disposal of antimicrobials, diagnostics and other health products 

• Accelerate antimicrobial resistance research and innovation 

• Strengthen multisectoral governance, sustainable financing and accountability for a coordinated AMR response 

By addressing AMR through a One Health approach, the Plan recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health and the need for collective action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations. 

Adoption by WOAH Members 

The updated Global Action Plan was adopted by WOAH Members through Resolution No. 18, submitted to the 2026 World Assembly of Delegates following the recommendation of the WOAH Working Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. 

The adoption reflects the intensive collaboration among the Quadripartite organisations, Member Delegations, technical experts, partner organisations and stakeholders across sectors who contributed to the development of the updated GAP-AMR through extensive consultations. 

From strategy to implementation 

The adoption of the updated GAP-AMR is not the end of the process – it is the beginning of a new phase focused on implementation. 

While the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) continue their respective approval processes, the Quadripartite partners are already preparing the next steps. 

A key priority will be the development of cross-sectoral operational guidance to support Members of the Quadripartite organisations and regions in translating the strategic objectives of the GAP-AMR into practical action. These guidelines will provide a framework for coordinated implementation across sectors and will help strengthen accountability, monitoring and impact.

Furthermore, the Quadripartite is also developing a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework that will allow to assess the progress in the implementation of the updated GAP-AMR at global level.  

WOAH is also preparing a series of webinars to support Members in advancing AMR action within Veterinary Services and animal health systems.

A collective achievement 

The adoption of the updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance represents the power of international cooperation and collective action. It is the result of sustained engagement from governments, experts, international organisations and non-state actors committed to protecting the effectiveness of antimicrobials and safeguarding health worldwide.

As the global community moves from commitment to implementation, WOAH remains fully committed to supporting its Members and partners in delivering meaningful action against antimicrobial resistance.

The next decade will be decisive. The roadmap is now in place; the focus turns to putting the Plan into practice. 

 

The detection of sustained rabies transmission in Cape fur seals in southern Africa marks an unprecedented development in the ecology of rabies and raises important questions for wildlife conservation, animal public health and transboundary disease preparedness. 

Since 2024, more than 100 cases of rabies have been confirmed in Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) in South Africa and Namibia. Retrospective testing and genetic analyses indicate that sustained transmission within the seal population began several years before the disease was detected. 

Current evidence suggests that the outbreak originated from a single spillover event involving a dog-related rabies virus variant maintained by black-backed jackals in southern Africa, followed by ongoing transmission between Cape fur seals. This represents the first known establishment of rabies in a free-ranging marine mammal population. 

Affected seals have displayed neurological signs, including abnormal aggression towards people and other animals. As of May 2026, more than 145 human exposure incidents had been reported, highlighting the importance of appropriate public health measures and post-exposure management.

The event also has broader implications for wildlife health. Cape fur seals range across the coasts of South Africa and Namibia and can travel considerable distances, creating opportunities for contact with other marine mammal species. Continued investigation is needed to better understand the ecological consequences of the outbreak and the potential implications for marine mammal populations in other regions. 

The emergence of rabies in Cape fur seals demonstrates how pathogens can adapt to new host species and reinforces the importance of integrated surveillance across wildlife, domestic animals and humans under a One Health approach. Strengthening collaboration between veterinary, wildlife, environmental and public health authorities remains essential for early detection, risk assessment and coordinated response. 

WOAH encourages Members, its wider network and other experts to maintain vigilance for – a rabies-like syndrome in marine mammals, reinforce wildlife disease surveillance and laboratory diagnosis, ensure appropriate protection of personnel handling suspect animals, and continue sustained dog vaccination programmes, which remain the cornerstone of preventing dog-mediated rabies and reducing the risk of spillover into wildlife. 

WOAH will continue to work with Members and partners to monitor and support preparedness, surveillance and response through its expert networks, including the Working Group on Wildlife, the Rabies Reference Laboratory Network and the United Against Rabies Forum.

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During its 93^rd General Session in May, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has launched its new Wildlife Health Strategy 2026–2030, to reaffirm the importance of wildlife health surveillance systems as a cornerstone of global health security, biodiversity conservation and resilient ecosystems under an integrated health approach. 

Following the achievements of the Wildlife Health Framework (2021–2025), the new Strategy outlines a more focused and operational roadmap to support WOAH Members in preventing, detecting and responding to health risks at the human, animal, environment interface.

In a context marked by increasing interactions between humans, domestic animals and wildlife, WOAH is positioning wildlife health as a strategic global priority. The Strategy is organised around three main objectives to strengthen governance of wildlife health systems, improve scientific knowledge and risk analysis based policies and sustainable, integrated multisectoral wildlife heath surveillance systems, this new Strategy has focus areas on surveillance systems, addressing health risk in wildlife trade and support upstream prevention efforts to reduce the risk of disease emergence. In fact, healthy wildlife populations are essential not only for biodiversity conservation, but also for protecting animal health, public health, ecosystem resilience and supporting sustainable food systems worldwide.  

Protecting wildlife health through stronger surveillance and policy

To support this effort, WOAH will continue improving wildlife disease reporting and information sharing through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), while expanding the use of WildEpi, WOAH’s next-generation wildlife health information system, a secure platform enabling authorised wildlife health professionals to share information on wildlife health events.

WildEpi is designed to facilitate real-time reporting and analysis of wildlife morbidity and mortality events. The platform supports real-time information sharing and analysis of wildlife health events, strengthens risk analysis and supports evidence-based decision-making through multisectoral collaboration. It leverages technological advancements by offering AI-based support for wild species identification. By engaging a wider range of contributors, including conservation organisations, researchers and wildlife networks, WildEpi seeks to bridge existing gaps in animal health data collection and decision-making.

Strengthening wildlife health surveillance is essential to improving our collective ability to detect emerging risks early and respond before they escalate into larger animal or public health events. The Wildlife Health Strategy creates an important framework to connect countries, expertise and surveillance systems under a shared One Health vision.

Tiggy Grillo, WOAH Wildlife Focal Point for Australia and Chief Operating Officer of Wildlife Health Australia. 

The Wildlife Health Strategy also recognises that effective wildlife disease surveillance depends on strong partnerships, effective legislation and operational coordination across sectors and borders. 

Wildlife health can no longer be addressed in isolation. Supporting collaboration between Veterinary Services, conservation actors, laboratories and environmental authorities is critical to building resilient surveillance systems capable of responding to increasingly complex global health challenges.

Marco Sordilli, WOAH Wildlife Focal Point for Italy. 

From global strategy to field implementation

The Wildlife Health Strategy places strong emphasis on practical implementation through regional projects, partnerships and country-level support. This operational approach builds on lessons learned from the Wildlife Health Framework and focuses on delivering measurable outcomes tailored to regional realities. For example, regional projects such as ZOOSURSY in Africa, Nature for Health (N4H) and TARTANET are highlighted as key implementation mechanisms supporting integrated wildlife health surveillance systems, workforce development and multisectoral coordination. 

Furthermore, the Strategy also reinforces collaboration with international partners and Networks*. The International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade being embedded into the strategy as the arm focusing on wildlife trade with an all-hazards, One-Health approach. 

Actions are also managed at a country level. For instance, Liberia’s wildlife disease surveillance workshop held in Bomi County in March 2025 shows how countries are turning awareness into practical action through a coordinated approach that brings together human, animal, and environmental health. During the workshop, participants explored the Guidelines for the Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens, and Toxic Agents in Free-Ranging Wildlife. Released in September 2024 and developed by IUCN and WOAH, the guidelines support countries in strengthening wildlife surveillance systems through a One Health approach. Through multisectoral collaboration involving Veterinary Services, conservation authorities, laboratories, and academia, the workshop helped establish a common framework for surveillance, rapid response, and information sharing. 

 A strategic vision for healthier wildlife and safer societies

The Wildlife Health Strategy 2026–2030 reflects WOAH’s broader commitment to advancing prevention at the animal source and strengthening resilience across ecosystems, health systems and societies. 

Through stronger governance, better data processes, enhanced scientific collaboration, integrated multisectoral surveillance systems and targeted operational support, the Strategy seeks to empower WOAH Members and their partners to prevent and better anticipate, detect and rapidly respond to wildlife health threats in a fast-changing and increasingly interconnected world.

By placing wildlife health at the centre of the One Health agenda, WOAH aims to contribute to healthier wildlife, more resilient ecosystems and a safer planet for future generations. 

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* Official partners include the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA), the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), the Quadripartite organisations, the Wildlife Health Intelligence Network (WHIN), The Convention on the Conservation of Migrating Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management (CPW), The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).  

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Read the strategy

On 20 June 2026, WOAH was notified of the first detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Australia in a marine wild bird, a migratory brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus). The virus is related to H5N1 HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, which is the same subtype that is predominantly circulating in poultry, wild birds, and mammals globally. Enhanced general and targeted surveillance is underway by the animal health authorities to determine the extent of infection. An epidemiological investigation has commenced.

HPAI H5N1 has caused a global panzootic since 2021, affecting wild birds, poultry, and multiple mammalian species. Until recently, Australia remained free of this particular subtype despite widespread international incursions.

Since its emergence, this H5N1 subtype has crossed continents, reaching North and South America in 2022 and extending to the Antarctic islands in 2023. It has since been detected in new host species such as cattle, and marine mammals, caused sporadic human infections, driven exceptionally high activity in wild birds in 2025, and is now being reported in Australia for the first time.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) acknowledges Australia’s immediate notification of Influenza A virus of high pathogenicity in non-poultry birds through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) and commends Australia for its longstanding commitment to transparency and to the protection of global animal health.

This notification represents a significant epidemiological event, documenting the first detection of HPAI H5N1 in a wild bird in Australia. The finding confirms the incursion of this globally circulating virus lineage into wildlife in a subregion that had remained free from this subtype despite its extensive international spread in other regions and sub-regions. The risk for Australian avifauna, especially endemic bird species is significant.

This detection underscores critical considerations: 

Early detection remains our strongest line of prevention 

Early detection and timely reporting linked to early response measures, are essential in limiting the spread of HPAI and reducing its impact on poultry, livestock, wildlife, livelihoods and human health. This event demonstrates the value of sustained surveillance systems, laboratory capacity and field awareness in identifying emerging threats.

Transparency and solidarity strengthen global preparedness 

Timely reporting through WAHIS allows countries to access official information, assess risks and coordinate responses based on reliable scientific evidence.  

Preparedness requires sustained investment 

Preparedness is best built before an emergency. Recent events demonstrate the cost of waiting. According to WOAH’s State of the World’s Animal Health 2026 report, more than 2,000 outbreaks of HPAI were reported by 64 countries and territories between 2025 and 2026, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 140 million poultry. At the same time, animal health continues to receive only a small fraction – 0.6% – of global health investment. Strong Veterinary Services, well-equipped laboratories, collaboration with WOAH Reference Laboratories, effective surveillance systems, trained personnel, One Health collaboration, international networks of expertise such as OFFLU and emergency preparedness plans do not emerge during a crisis – they are built through sustained investment over time.

Continued national and international investment remains essential to reduce the impact of HPAI and other emerging animal health threats. 

Multisectoral collaboration 

This event also highlights the importance of maintaining strong scientific collaboration networks and engaging stakeholders before emergencies arise. Governments, Veterinary Services, laboratories, researchers, wildlife authorities, public health authorities, industry and international organisations play complementary roles in strengthening preparedness and response.  

WOAH remains committed to supporting its Members through international standards, scientific expertise, capacity building and transparent information sharing. As HPAI continues to evolve globally, continued collaboration, preparedness and collective action remain essential to protect animal health, safeguard livelihoods and strengthen global health security. 

WOAH calls on its Members to:  

• Maintain enhanced avian influenza SURVEILLANCE in domestic and wild birds and consider HPAI in differential diagnosis for other susceptible wild or domestic animal species.   

• REPORT cases of HPAI in all animal species, including in domestic and wild mammals, to WOAH through its World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS)  . Genetic sequences of avian influenza viruses should be shared in publicly available databases. 

• COLLABORATE with public health authorities, wildlife authorities and other relevant partners through a One Health approach to strengthen surveillance, risk assessment, preparedness and response.

• CONSIDER  poultry vaccination  as a possible complementary avian influenza control measure;  PREVENT the introduction and spread of the disease by implementing strict biosecurity measures in poultry holdings and EMPLOY good production and hygiene practices   when handling animal products. Relevant measures notably include keeping poultry away from contact with wild birds, ensuring good hygiene in poultry housing and equipment and reporting bird illnesses and deaths to the Veterinary Services. 

• PROTECT humans and other potentially susceptible mammals (both wild and domestic). People in close contact or exposed to wildlife should always take precautionary measures   to avoid getting infected and minimise the risk of mechanically carrying the virus.   

• AVOID IMPLEMENTING unjustified trade restrictions. Import risk management measures should be scientifically justified and in line with the WOAH International Standards. 

WOAH is fully committed to supporting its Members to mitigate the risks associated with avian influenza. We will continue to engage with our networks of experts, OFFLU, as well as public and private partners, notably through the One Health Quadripartite and the Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs)   to provide technical updates as more information becomes available. 

In collaboration with its  Reference Centres, networks of experts and Members including the WOAH WildNet network of collaborating centres on wildlife health, the WOAH remains in close contact with Australian Veterinary Authorities to monitor the situation to assess the risks to poultry,  wildlife, other susceptible animal species and humans. Australia’s rapid detection and transparent reporting demonstrate the value of strong surveillance systems and international cooperation. As HPAI continues to evolve and spread across regions and species, timely information sharing, scientific collaboration and sustained preparedness remain essential to protect animal and public health. Transparent reporting is also critical to maintaining trust, supporting evidence-based decision-making and preventing misinformation and disinformation. 

A new series presented by WOAH, produced by BBC StoryWorks, explores the invisible connections between animals, people and the environments we share, and how these relationships are shaping our world.

Animals and humans share a deep and profound connection. How does this interdependence shape global health? The impact of animals and their ecosystems on communities worldwide is vast, reaching across food supplies and medicine. At the same time, the challenges tied to this connection are also changing, influenced by climate change and expanding human populations.

Animals & Us, a new series presented by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and produced by BBC StoryWorks, explores what this connection between humans and animals means. This series reveals how animal health can affect everyone’s health, and how some communities around the world are fostering healthier ecosystems designed to protect both humans and animals. With agricultural systems now occupying 50% of the planet’s habitable land and global wildlife populations having declined by an average of 69% since 1970, this relationship between animals and humans is changing every day.

The stories in the series will introduce you to the remarkable innovators working to strengthen and protect this valuable connection around the world: the village in Bali helping to protect their pets and children with animal vaccines; the poultry farmer using a surprising substance to help reduce reliance on antibiotics in his animals; the rancher in Washington who’s measuring cattle breath with new technology to monitor their health; and the organisation who’s spreading awareness among agricultural workers in India about venomous snake bites.

These are the communities working around the world to help protect the bond between animals and us, aiming to find new solutions to rising challenges and helping raise awareness.

The stories come at a time when WOAH’s 2026 State of the World’s Animal Health report is drawing attention to the critical role animal health plays in protecting communities worldwide. With around 60% of known human infectious diseases originating in animals, and animal health receiving as little as 0.6% of global health spending, Animals & Us explores what prevention, innovation and resilience can look like on the ground.

Discover the stories uncovering the invisible connections between animal, human and environmental health directly impacting daily lives. Watch Animals & Us on www.animalsandusseries.com 

Because animal health is our health. It’s everyone’s health. 

Participation in the Animals & Us series does not constitute endorsement, approval or recommendation of any organization, company, product, technology, service or position featured.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) expresses its deep concern following the emergence of the 17th Ebola Virus Disease (Bundibugyo virus) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and potential spread to neighboring countries.

Ebola Virus Disease is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans and then between humans. Its repeated emergence is a reminder that human health and animal health are strongly interlinked. While the specific animal reservoir associated with this current outbreak has not yet been identified, scientific evidence from previous outbreaks points to wildlife species, particularly fruit bats and potentially other wild animals as a likely source of transmission. The origin of infection in the current outbreak remains under investigation.

WOAH underscores the importance of stronger surveillance at the animal-human-environmental interface and calls for a stronger rollout of the One Health approach at country, cross-border and regional level. It also reiterates the importance of consistently increasing support for upstream prevention of spillover infection from wildlife to humans and the critical role of well-resourced and competent animal health systems.

Understanding where the virus originates, how it moves between species and where it is likely to re-emerge, requires animal and environmental health systems working in close collaboration with public health systems for effective risk-based surveillance and data sharing.

Strengthening wildlife surveillance and health intelligence, improving risk communication related to wildlife and animal exposure, strengthening veterinary laboratory diagnostics, and ensuring effective coordination among public health, veterinary, wildlife, and environmental sectors are all critical components of preparedness and response to this Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.

WOAH is collaborating with its members and partners to support the animal health dimensions of prevention and preparedness. This includes:

• Strengthening animal health surveillance systems
• Promoting early detection of zoonotic risks
• Supporting risk communication
• Supporting the prevention of spillover events at the animal–human–environment interface
• Increasing knowledge about the virus’s life cycle and role in the epidemiology dynamic

WOAH also continues to engage with its Quadripartite partners (WHO, FAO, and UNEP) to advance the One Health approach, especially in supporting countries implementing integrated systems that protect human, animal, and environmental health.

Prevention remains the most effective line of defense. Strengthening wildlife surveillance and health intelligence, veterinary laboratory capacity, risk communication, community engagement and cross-sectoral One Health coordination is essential to reducing the risk of disease emergence and zoonotic spillover.

Sustained investment in fully operational animal health systems, including prevention-focused interventions, is not only critical for animal health; it is a core component of global health security and pandemic prevention.

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About WOAH

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the global authority on animal health. Founded in 1924, WOAH works with its 183 Members to improve animal health and welfare worldwide. Through the development of international standards, the collection and dissemination of animal health information, and the strengthening of animal health systems, WOAH helps prevent and control animal diseases, including zoonoses. By advancing animal health, WOAH contributes to improved human health, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.

About EBO-SURSY and ZOOSURSY

With support from the European Union, WOAH implemented EBO-SURSY to strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacities for viral hemorrhagic fevers and other zoonotic diseases in Africa. Building on this work, WOAH and its partners are continuing this important collaboration through the ZOOSURSY project in 17 African countries, with scientific support from an international consortium comprising CIRAD, Institut Pasteur, IRD, Helmholtz Institute, and the University of Helsinki.

Through these initiatives, WOAH and its partners are supporting surveillance, as well as strengthening diagnostic capacity and expertise, contributing to stronger outbreak preparedness and response.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) emphasises that lead is a potent and persistent neurotoxin that presents significant, avoidable risks to the health of wildlife, humans, and the environment. Because there is no known safe level of lead exposure, the continued use of lead ammunition in hunting is a major concern for biodiversity and public health.

The risks to wildlife and human health

Extensive scientific evidence demonstrates that spent lead ammunition is a primary cause of wildlife mortality. Waterbirds and terrestrial birds frequently suffer from acute or chronic primary poisoning after ingesting spent lead pellets mistaken for grit or food. Furthermore, secondary poisoning occurs in predatory and scavenging mammals and birds, such as eagles and vultures, that consume lead fragments from the carcasses of hunted animals.

Lead ammunition also poses a public health risk. Lead shot and high-velocity bullets often fragment into microscopic particles upon impact, which can contaminate game meat intended for human consumption. This exposure is particularly hazardous for the neurodevelopment of children and the health of pregnant women.

One Health Solution

Safe, effective, and ballistically comparable non-toxic alternatives, such as steel, copper, bismuth, and tungsten, are already widely available and increasingly price competitive. The transition to these materials is a proven solution that allows hunting to continue while stopping the accumulation of a toxic element in soils, wetlands, and the wider landscape. Avoiding lead exposures and contamination of the environment is a core component of the One Health approach, essential for securing the health of animals, people, and ecosystems.

WOAH encourages and supports the following initiatives by its Members and international partners:

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has granted new official recognitions of animal health status and endorsed disease control programmes for several Members, highlighting continued global progress against major transboundary animal diseases. Announced at the 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, these decisions reflect years of sustained investment in Veterinary Services, surveillance and prevention strategies – efforts that ultimately strengthen both animal health and economic resilience. 

This year’s announcement carries particular significance, as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WOAH’s official animal health status framework, a system that has become a global benchmark for safe trade in animals and animal products. 

In 2026, new recognitions of animal health status include: 

20 May 2026, Paris – The adoption of the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan on 20 May 2026 marks a pivotal moment for global animal health, as Members of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) endorse a unified roadmap for the period 2027–2031. 

Agreed during the General Session following months of consultation, the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan comes at a time of mounting pressure on animal health systems worldwide. Its adoption signals a collective commitment by our Members to strengthen prevention, invest in resilience and position animal health as a cornerstone of global stability. 

The urgency of this agenda is underscored by the latest State of the World’s Animal Health report, released on 13 May 2026, which highlights accelerating disease risks, widening investment gaps and growing strain on veterinary systems. The report shows that more than 20% of global animal production is lost to preventable diseases each year, while less than USD 1 billion annually is invested in animal health systems.

Responding to a rapidly evolving global context  

Against this backdrop, the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan sets out a clear vision: to strengthen animal health systems as a foundation for food security, public health, economic resilience and sustainable development. 

Animal health challenges are becoming more complex and interconnected. Climate change is altering disease patterns, global trade is increasing the speed of spread, and antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten treatment effectiveness. At the same time, demand for animal-source food is rising, placing additional pressure on already fragile systems. 

The Strategic Plan therefore positions animal health not as a technical issue, but as a strategic global priority that requires coordinated action across countries and sectors. 

At its core, the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan is structured around three strategic orientations, each designed to address critical gaps identified through Member consultations and global evidence. 

1. Strengthening global standards for a changing world 

WOAH’s first priority is to continue developing international standards for animal health and welfare, ensuring they remain scientifically robust, adaptable and applicable to all Members. 

These standards underpin safe trade, guide national policies and support the development of effective animal health systems. However, their impact depends on both their relevance and their implementation. The Plan therefore emphasises greater Member involvement in the standard-setting process, alongside efforts to better understand and address barriers to adoption. 

By reinforcing its scientific base and ensuring standards evolve with emerging risks—such as new diseases, technological advances and shifting production systems—WOAH aims to strengthen trust, transparency and consistency across global animal health governance.  

2. Empowering national animal health systems 

The second strategic priority focuses on strengthening animal health and welfare systems, which form the backbone of disease prevention, detection and response. 

While progress has been made, significant gaps remain in workforce capacity, surveillance systems and emergency preparedness. These gaps increase the likelihood that outbreaks will spread and escalate, with consequences for food systems, livelihoods and public health. 

The Plan responds by prioritising capacity-building, knowledge sharing and stronger collaboration between Members. It adopts a holistic One Health approach, recognising the interdependence of animal, human and environmental health. 

By equipping countries with the tools, expertise and resources needed to build resilient systems, WOAH aims to shift from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention—an approach that is both more effective and significantly less costly in the long term. 

3. Elevating animal health as a global priority 

The third strategic orientation aims to position animal health at the centre of global policy discussions and investment decisions. 

Recognising animal health’s critical importance, the Plan seeks to ensure that animal health is prioritised in national and international agendas. The State of the World’s Animal Health report makes clear that this underinvestment carries significant risks, from food insecurity and economic losses to the growing threat of zoonotic diseases and pandemics.  

The Plan therefore places a strong emphasis on advocacy, communication and engagement with decision-makers and segments of the wider public. By strengthening its role in global forums and supporting Members in their national advocacy efforts, WOAH aims to mobilise greater political will and financial investment as well as fostering more broadly an understanding about the importance of animal health in a One Health context.

The objective is clear: to ensure that animal health is recognised not as a niche concern, but as a global public good essential to health security, economic stability and sustainable development. 

From adoption to implementation 

While the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan will formally take effect in 2027, its adoption in May 2026 marks the beginning of a critical transition phase. The Plan outlines a structured approach to implementation, supported by organisational enablers. Global and regional roadmaps, coupled with robust monitoring frameworks, will ensure transparency and effective strategic management of its implementation.

Sustained engagement and investment from Members and partners will be a major driver of success of the Plan. The adoption of the WOAH 8th Strategic Plan reflects a shared recognition: in a world of increasing disease risk and constrained resources, prevention is not optional – it is essential. 

By strengthening standards, empowering national systems and elevating animal health on the global stage, WOAH and its Members are laying the groundwork for a more resilient future. 

As the State of the World’s Animal Health report makes clear, the choice is not between investing and saving, it is between planned investment and unplanned loss. With this new Strategic Plan, Members have chosen to invest in prevention, cooperation and long-term impact, benefiting animals, people and the planet alike.