The One Health initiatives of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) continue to break new ground in 2024. In collaboration with its Quadripartite partners – the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – WOAH tackles health challenges that know no borders at the animal–human–environment interface. From emerging zoonotic diseases to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and food safety, to environmental consideration in a One Health context, this article explores WOAH’s One Health activities and their impact on better health for all.

WOAH recognises that addressing the complex challenges of global health requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. It’s One Health initiatives advocate for stronger global governance at the intersection of animal, human and environmental health.

Major One Health advances in 2024

Policy briefs
WOAH recently published six policy briefs that provide updated guidance based on actions outlined in the Quadripartite’s One Health Joint Plan of Action. These briefs emphasise the importance of Veterinary Services and the animal health sector in implementing strategies that support national authorities and partners to strengthen health systems.

The second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting
From 29 February to 6 March, the second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting (QEAM) was held at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, to assess progress in One Health initiatives and set future priorities. A key highlight was the transfer of the Quadripartite Secretariat Chair from UNEP to WOAH. As this year’s Chair, WOAH is prioritising the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action, improving monitoring and evaluation, enhanced use of science, evidence and knowledge, advocating for One Health integration in the political agenda and increasing investment in One Health initiatives.

OHHLEP Term 2 – First meeting
The One Health High-Level Panel (OHHLEP) convened for the first meeting of its second term on 16–17 April, to establish annual priorities. OHHLEP provides critical guidance for the Quadripartite on generating knowledge and evidence to enhance One Health efforts globally. The first in-person meeting of OHHLEP was held at the World One Health Congress in Cape Town on 18–19 September 2024.

Key Launches

Performance of Veterinary Services Information System (PVS IS): launched during WOAH’s 91st General Session in May, PVS IS allows for better access to data on Veterinary Services’ capabilities related to One Health competencies and the recommendations made to improve their quality and capacities.

Competencies for One Health Field Epidemiology (COHFE): a new framework on multisectoral collaboration in field epidemiology was recently introduced. It will soon be piloted in select countries, before digital tools will be developed to prioritise, customise and cost epidemiology programmes. Future directions for this work include creating a repository for One Health field epidemiology training resources and developing a community of practice for One Health field epidemiology.

Antimicrobial Resistance Toolkit for Media Engagement: developed by the Quadripartite, this new practical toolkit aims to engage the media in discussing AMR.

Regional and national activities

Throughout the year, WOAH has conducted various meetings, webinars and workshops globally, focusing on various topics such as wildlife trade, zoonotic infections, animal importation and the return on investment of One Health. Many of these activities promote the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action and the national and regional adaptations of One Health tools.

Recent Events in 2024

8th World One Health Congress (WOHC): Held in Cape Town, South Africa, on 20–23 September, this conference featured an outstanding and forward-thinking agenda, which addressed One Health science, antimicrobial agents and resistance, as well as the science–policy interface. WOAH is a member of the Congress’s scientific committee and WOAH speakers were featured in the opening ceremony, keynotes and many of its sessions.


UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance: Scheduled for 26 September in New York City, United States of America, this meeting focused on global commitments to address AMR, a growing multi-faceted public health challenge.

To learn more about these initiatives and stay updated on WOAH’s efforts, visit the One Health website and read the WOAH One Health Newsletter.

More information

The WOAH One Health Newsletter, August 2024

WOAH’s One Health web page

Contact: Dr Chadia Wannous, WOAH One Health Senior Specialist and Global Coordinator ([email protected])

26 September 2024, New York – Global leaders have approved a political declaration at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (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 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) annually by 10% by 2030.

The declaration also calls for sustainable national financing and US$100 million in catalytic funding, to help achieve a target of at least 60% of countries having funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. This goal is to be reached through, for example, diversifying funding sources and securing more contributors to the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), known as the Quadripartite, welcome the declaration. The Quadripartite applauds countries for recognising the need for global, regional and national efforts to address AMR through a One Health approach, which recognises that the health of people, animals, plants and the wider environment, including ecosystems, are closely linked and interdependent.

Global champions involved with the meeting include Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, AMR survivors, civil society and stakeholder organisations from around the world.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, leading to infections becoming difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Global multisectoral action needed to reach targets by 2030

On human health, the declaration sets a more ambitious target that at least 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally should belong to the WHO Access group antibiotics with relatively minimal side effects and lower potential to cause AMR.

It also includes targets around infection prevention and control (IPC), such as 100% of countries having basic water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management services in all health care facilities and 90% of countries meeting all WHO’s minimum requirements for IPC programmes by 2030. There are also commitments on investments to facilitate equitable access to and appropriate use of antimicrobials, as well as on reporting surveillance data on antimicrobial use and AMR across sectors.

On agriculture and animal health, the declaration has commitments to, by 2030, meaningfully reduce the quantity of antimicrobials used globally in the agri-food systems by prioritising and funding the implementation of measures to prevent and control infections and ensuring prudent, responsible and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health. This is to be achieved in the context of the WOAH list of priority diseases and FAO’s RENOFARM initiative, as well as preventive strategies, including animal vaccination strategies, good husbandry practices, biosecurity, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

On the environment, the declaration underscores the need to prevent and address the discharge of antimicrobials into the environment. It also calls for increased research and knowledge on the environmental dimensions of AMR and for catalysing actions to address key sources of antimicrobial pollution.

Acknowledging that AMR is a complex problem, the declaration recognises the need for a multisectoral response combining human, agricultural, animal, and environmental sector-specific interventions.

“The intersectoral challenge of AMR demands a One Health systems approach that unites human, animal, plant, and environmental health, backed by robust and accountable global AMR governance. Sustainable, consistent and diversified financing is essential to support the clear priorities and measurable targets for decisive action, while recognizing local, national and regional contexts. We must ensure universal access to medicines, treatments, and diagnostics, while promoting preventive measures and investing in research, innovation, capacity building, and bold awareness initiatives. Our health depends on safe, nutritious food, and food security hinges on efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. For nearly 80 years, FAO has been steadfast in its mission to secure safe, healthy foods for all. We fully support this declaration and remain committed to a collective action to eliminate AMR risks in agriculture and food systems,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu.

“Evidence is mounting that the environment plays a significant role in the development, spread and transmission of AMR, including transmission between humans, and animals to humans. And why if we’re to reduce the burden of AMR and its risks, the environment must be part of the solution. Today’s declaration recognises this need, and UNEP will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to reduce the burden of AMR on societies and tackle the triple planetary crisis,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

“In the century since Alexander Fleming stumbled across penicillin in a laboratory in London, antibiotics have become a mainstay of medicine, transforming once-deadly infections into treatable and curable conditions,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Antimicrobial resistance threatens to unwind that progress, making it without question one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Today’s declaration includes vital commitments that, if translated into action, will help to track AMR, slow it down, expand access to antibiotics and other medicines and spur the development of new ones.”

Antimicrobials help animals and humans live longer and healthier lives, but many of these life-saving drugs are dangerously losing their efficacy, which has devastating impacts not only on human health, but also on livestock and the economy at large, said WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran. Urgent action is needed and we welcome the numerous commitments made by countries through this political declaration. The prioritisation of preventative measures against infectious diseases in animals is of paramount importance. That is why WOAH will continue to assist countries by developing standards and guidelines, assessing policy frameworks for antimicrobial prescription and supporting the implementation of biosecurity and vaccination programs on priority diseases that can help reduce the need for antimicrobials, among other measures.

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH Director General

Clear way forward

The declaration formalises the standing Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR as the central coordinating mechanism to support the global response to AMR. It also requests the Quadripartite organisations, together with countries, to update the Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance by 2026 to ensure a robust and inclusive multisectoral response, through a One Health approach. The declaration also gives the Quadripartite the mandate to follow up and report back on implementation of the GAP and political declaration outcomes.

It also acknowledges the critical contributions of global AMR governance mechanisms, including the Global Leaders Group and the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, committing to strengthening the latter, among others, to facilitate the multisectoral exchange of experiences, best practices, and the assessment of Member States’ progress in implementing multisectoral national action plans on AMR. The Quadripartite is pleased to take on the declaration’s request for it to establish an independent panel for evidence for action against AMR in 2025, after a global consultation with countries. The panel will support countries in efforts to tackle AMR.

The declaration emphasises key aspects, including the importance of access to medicines, treatments and diagnostics, while calling for incentives and financing mechanisms to drive multisectoral health research, innovation and development in addressing AMR. A stronger, transparent partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as academia is critical.

The declaration also encourages countries to report quality surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use by 2030, utilising existing global systems such as the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), the Global Database for Antimicrobial Use in Animals (ANIMUSE) of WOAH, and the International FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring (InFARM) . It further calls for 95% of countries to annually report on the implementation of their AMR national action plans through the Tracking AMR Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS).

26 September 2024, New York – Drug-resistant pathogens could jeopardise the food supply of over two billion people and increase health care costs by US$ 159 billion annually by 2050, according to the most extensive modelling of the impact of AMR to date.

The analysis, produced by a global partnership of leading health and development organisations, is the first to comprehensively forecast the economic and health burdens of AMR on both humans and food-producing animals. It also found a return of US$ 28 for every US$ 1 invested if urgent action were to be taken now.

According to the UN, AMR is one of the top 10 global health threats facing humanity. It has led to the rise of “superbugs”, including bacteria no longer treatable using antibiotics.

The EcoAMR series (Health and Economic Impacts of AMR in Human and Food-Producing Animals), led by the World Organisation for Animal Health (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.

Released ahead of a High-Level Meeting on AMR at the UN General Assembly, the modelling found that, if no action is taken now, drug resistance could cause annual global GDP losses up to US$ 1.7 trillion by 2050, while the spread of resistant pathogens from livestock to humans, could cost up to US$ 5.2 trillion. It also found that AMR could result in production losses in the livestock sector equivalent to the consumption needs of 746 million people, or more than two billion people in a more severe scenario by the same year.

The analysis, published in three reports, was produced by experts at WOAH, Animal Industry Data (AID), the Center for Global Development (CGD), Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and RAND Europe, with contributions from The World Bank.

The threat of drug-resistant infections to human health is widely recognised but the impact of AMR on the health of animals, our environment and our economy cannot be overlooked. On top of the drastic human death toll, drug-resistant pathogens can also severely impact animal health and welfare. It creates huge strains on the economy as well as on our sustainable development efforts. For the first time, we have an idea of exactly what’s at stake unless the global community takes urgent action now.

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General, WOAH

The EcoAMR series authors have called for urgent investments to support AMR National Action Plans, of which almost 90 per cent have no funding allocated for their implementation. The human health research also showed that greater investment in new antibiotics, health care improvements, universal vaccine coverage and sanitation and hygiene could prevent more than 110 million human deaths from 2025 to 2050.

Investing in access to antibiotics and innovation for new drugs could also reduce human health costs by US$ 97 billion per year and increase the labour force by 23 million people, the rates of tourism by 1.2 per cent and hospitality by 0.6 per cent, adding US$ 960 billion to the annual GDP; and generate a further US$ 679 billion per year in health value, the human economic analysis found.

“AMR carries a significant economic burden, but taking prudent action now will see a significant return on investment through a reduction in health care costs, improvements in the economy, and a healthier society at large,” commented Anthony McDonnell, Policy Fellow at the Center for Global Development (CGD). “It is in high-income countries’ interests to ensure that those in poorer parts of the world have access to high-quality treatment.” 

The animal health analysis showed that achieving a global 30 per cent reduction in livestock antimicrobial use within five year-time-period can lead to a cumulative increase in global GDP by US$ 120 billion from 2025 to 2050.

“These data highlight the need to accelerate comprehensive solutions to tackle AMR,” said Dr Christopher J.L. Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). “A ‘One Health’ approach, which spans the human, plant and animal sectors, is needed, as well as bringing the private and public sectors together to collaborate at the national and global levels. Only global will and investment, guided by evidence, can contain this growing health threat.”

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. This study is consistent with the results from the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) project recently published. Together, these findings provide a complete picture of the critical global threat posed by AMR.

Notes to editors:

To arrange any interviews/briefings, please contact:

Communication Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), [email protected]

About the EcoAMR consortium of international partners:

The Center for Global Development (CGD) and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in partnership with the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) addressed the human health components, while RAND Europe and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in partnership with Animal Industry Data (AID) covered the animal heath aspect of this cross-sector initiative.

The One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) held its inaugural meeting for the second term on 18-19 September in South Africa, on the margins of the World One Health Congress. The meeting brought together a distinguished group of global experts to address health challenges arising at the human, animal and environment interface. Convened by the Quadripartite organisations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – the panel plays a vital role in advising the Quadripartite collaboration on One Health.  

Over the two-day meeting, the Quadripartite updated panel members on their progress and plans for the roll out of the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA) and its implementation. OHHLEP discussed their workplan and agreed that efforts in Term II should focus on fully leveraging the augmented panel and building on the achievements of Term I to maintain the political momentum required for advancing One Health implementation.   

We are at a pivotal moment where the integration of human, animal, and environmental health is not just an aspiration but a necessity. OHHLEP plays a crucial role in guiding how we address the interconnected health challenges we face today. By fostering such collaboration across sectors, we can develop stronger strategies to prevent and mitigate global health threats.

Dr Montserrat Arroyo, Deputy Director General, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). 

The panel also agreed to meet regularly to strengthen cohesion, communication, and collaboration across their diverse disciplines. WOAH and its partners will provide continued updates on OHHLEP work via the OHHLEP webpage.  

Control measures have been implemented in both Greece and Romania, including zoning, movement restrictions, increased surveillance, and stamping out infected farms. As of 9 August 2024, Greece has reported 47 outbreaks, with over 2000 cases, while Romania notified 56 outbreaks, with over 5000 cases, through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). Ongoing epidemiological and laboratory investigations aim to understand the transmission pathways and extent of the virus’s circulation.

Earlier this year, PPR outbreaks were reported in the Caucasus region, with eight outbreaks in Türkiye between 1 January 2024 and 4 July 2024, as reported by ADIS1, and detections in Georgia for the first time since 2016, as reported by WAHIS. Although no direct links have been established between these events and the current situation in Greece and Romania, the ongoing investigations highlight the risk of PPR introduction into Europe and the Caucasus. 

Greece and Romania were historically free from PPR, meaning that the disease had not been detected for at least 25 years. Both countries therefore held a PPR-free status, granted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), an official recognition that countries were free from the PPR virus. This status is significant as it facilitates international trade and strengthens the confidence of trading partners in the countries’ livestock health standards. While the PPR-free status of both countries has been temporarily suspended in light of recent outbreaks, they can recover this status by demonstrating successful control of the outbreaks and applying for reinstatement in accordance with WOAH International Standards (Article 14.7.7 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code). 

Key recommendations from WOAH 

WOAH recommends that Veterinary Services take the following actions: 

• Strengthen awareness: educate farmers, veterinarians, and other professionals in contact with susceptible species to detect and report clinical signs suggesting PPR infection, such as high fever, diarrhoea, nasal discharge, tearing eyes, and salivation, which may become mucopurulent followed by death. 

• Update risk assessments: revise risk assessments to reflect newly available information on disease distribution. 

• Update contingency plans: test contingency plans through simulation exercises and combat misinformation through public education and information campaigns. 

• Ensure transparency: maintain transparency and provide timely notifications of disease occurrences. 

Regional cooperation is essential to coordinate strategies and actions to curb the transboundary spread of PPR. Countries must work together to develop and implement comprehensive plans to address the outbreak and prevent further transmission. 

Disease control efforts in Greece and Romania are supported by the European Commission and CIRAD, designated as a reference laboratory by WOAH and the European Union. Since 2015, WOAH has been collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) to support the eradication of PPR and enhance coordination and collaboration among partners. 

WOAH has also established a PPR vaccine bank to facilitate rapid access to quality vaccines under negotiated conditions. This resource supports vaccination efforts to control and eventually eradicate PPR in affected regions. 

WOAH remains committed to supporting affected countries and strengthening global efforts to eradicate PPR. By fostering international collaboration, we can protect livestock industries and safeguard the livelihoods of those who depend on them. 

Dr Soubeyran, a veterinarian by profession, has vast experience and an illustrious career in veterinary public health and animal health. Once the dean of the National Veterinary School of Lyon (VetAgro Sup), from 2016 to 2021, she is also the former Deputy Director General for Food within the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Head of French Veterinary Services as well as the French National Delegate to WOAH. With over fifteen years of leadership in national and regional positions, Dr Soubeyran is well poised to lead WOAH towards attaining its objectives and furthering its mission in the global arena.

It is an honour for me and a great responsibility to have been elected by the WOAH Members as its Director General. WOAH is a 183 Member strong organisation recognised for its expertise in the field of animal health and welfare, and like all people who cherish WOAH, I want to see it continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges ahead.

Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH Director General

Dr Soubeyran’s five-year tenure will focus on three pillars:

1. Increase visibility of WOAH: Animal Health plays a pivotal role in global issues such as food security, economy, trade, public health, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. With a view to garner financial, technical, and public support, Dr Soubeyran will strategically mobilise significant resources by amplifying WOAH’s voice. She will convince decision makers that the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of prevention. 
2. Strengthen Veterinary Services: The capacity of Veterinary Services is limited, with only 7% of WOAH Members having optimal capacities. Dr Soubeyran proposes to strengthen this workforce considering that it is critical for safe and sustainable food production.
3. Modernise WOAH: In our fast-changing world, WOAH must adapt to remain agile, inclusive, and innovative. Dr Soubeyran will support increased inclusivity, digitalisation, and data-driven approaches, including big data processing and new technologies for disease surveillance.

As WOAH builds on its century of unwavering commitment to global animal health, Dr Soubeyran is uniquely positioned to usher a new era and spearhead the Organisation in charting a sustainable future. The road ahead comes with major animal health and welfare challenges where WOAH’s leadership with its partners will be critical in finding solutions. The new Director General anticipates with great enthusiasm, the opportunity to achieve the Organisation’s objectives through close collaboration with Members and their Delegates, the Council and the Regional Commissions, WOAH staff, other international organisations and all stakeholders across sectors. Because animal health is our health. It’s everyone’s health.

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The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides a framework for its Members to apply for the official recognition of animal health status for six priority diseases on a voluntary basis. This recognition is crucial for supporting national livestock economies as it facilitates regional and international trade of animals and their products. 

In 2024, five countries obtained official recognition for their animal health status: 

• Azerbaijan was declared free of peste des petits ruminants (PPR); 
• Czech Republic and Norway achieved free status for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP); 
• Egypt was recognised as free from African horse sickness (AHS); 
• Liechtenstein was declared free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) without practising vaccination. 

These accomplishments represent strong progress in the global fight against highly contagious livestock diseases. The official recognition of these statuses not only acknowledges the effective disease control, prevention and early detection measures implemented by these countries but also enhances their access to regional and international markets. 

In addition to celebrating these new recognitions, it is important to highlight the successful maintenance of the 385 already officially recognised animal health statuses and endorsed control programmes.  

Members can also submit their official control programmes for four diseases for WOAH’s assessment. In 2023, Zambia received the endorsement of its official control programme for dog-mediated rabies, preceded by Namibia and the Philippines in 2022. This achievement is a significant step forward in combating a disease that still causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. These countries’ efforts contribute to the ‘Zero by 30’ global goal to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The recognition of animal health status by WOAH not only underscores the achievements of individual countries in disease control but also plays a pivotal role in promoting safe trade of animal goods and improving the livelihoods of those dependent on the livestock sector. 

The use of antimicrobial drugs has allowed global health to make significant positive strides over the past years. However, widespread misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants dramatically contributes to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens. This poses a shared threat to human and animal health, with important repercussions on our interconnected ecosystems. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has started to spark an unprecedented global crisis and addressing this cross-sectorial challenge is more urgent than ever before. 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is committed to protecting animal health and welfare including setting the standards for AMR for the animal health sector. Our standards and guidelines provide a framework for surveillance of use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance, while also promoting the responsible use of antimicrobial products in animals.  

Every year at the General Session, WOAH’s International Standards go through a revision process following specific needs mainly raised by its 183 Members. Covering updates of different nature, the revision reflects the work of the Organisation in tackling complex issues, building consensus among Members and finding up-to-date solutions that are grounded in science and designed to benefit both animal and human health.   

The revision of the standard on AMR (chapter 6.10) during the 91^st General Session was driven by WOAH Specialist Commissions with the support of the Working Group on AMR and covers three major aspects: enlarging the scope of standards to include companion animals, incorporating environmental safeguards and updating the recommendations of the WOAH list of antimicrobial agents of veterinary importance.

These changes draw on the growing needs that arise from today’s interconnected world. 

Firstly, the environmental dimensions of AMR tend to be routinely overlooked when considering the use of antimicrobials and AMR in animals. This year’s changes to chapter 6.10 reflect the need for a One Health approach when dealing with AMR. In fact, considering the potential environmental impact of antimicrobial use in animals is of critical importance. Either qualitative or quantitative, an environmental risk assessment should be conducted by the pharmaceutical industry when submitting applications for regulatory approval for veterinary medicinal products containing antimicrobial agents. Additionally, instructions should be provided by manufacturers to ensure the safe disposal of unused and expired veterinary products to avoid environmental contamination.  

In a world with over 1 billion companion animals worldwide, the culture of pet ownership in emerging economies has shifted, allowing for closer interactions between companion animals and humans. There is also growing evidence in literature about bidirectional transfer of resistant-pathogens, including through contact or sharing a contaminated environment. This called for a revision of the WOAH standards to raise the Members’ awareness on the need to extend their activities to promote responsible antimicrobial use in companion animals, and to consider these species also when reporting AMU data to ANIMUSE. Increasing awareness around risks and good practices among pet owners, in close collaboration with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), is also vital. 

Last but not least, the Organisation provides specific recommendations on how to use in veterinary medicine of antimicrobial agents that are considered critically important for animal and human health.  As part of this ongoing effort, the WOAH list of antimicrobial agents of veterinary importance  updated to align its recommendations with the latest changes in categorisation criteria of the World Health Organisation (WHO); as such, phosphonic acid derivatives are now considered as critically important antimicrobials, together with colistin, fluoroquinolones and third and fourth generation cephalosporins. 

Together, this year’s changes to the standards on AMR are meant to create a pathway for a responsible antimicrobial use in different animal health contexts and settings.

This is an important step forward in the fight against the deadly threat of AMR. For many years there has been considerable interest in the appropriate use and stewardship of antimicrobials within the small animal community worldwide. Aligning this interest with the global standards and actions of WOAH is a crucial to unlocking the One Health potential.

Stephen Page, Member of the AMR Working Group.

“At the end of this unanimous adoption, I would like to congratulate you on your commitment to One Health. We know that resistance to antimicrobials is a
cross-sectoral challenge… and we are proud that we continue to make progress in the animal health sector by adopting the updates on these standards,” concludes WOAH Director General Dr Monique Eloit. 

Today marks another significant milestone in the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (WOAH) unwavering commitment to global animal health as the Organisation announces the election of its new Director General. 

Through a secret ballot vote, following the “one country, one vote” rule, WOAH Delegates chose Dr Soubeyran, to lead the Organisation into its next chapter. She therefore becomes WOAH’s 8th Director General. Under Soubeyran’s leadership, the Organisation will remain dedicated to advancing animal health governance, promoting a safer, healthier future for both animals and humans. 

Dr Soubeyran’s election brings an end to predecessor Dr Monique Eloit’s successful 8-year tenure at the  Organisation. Dr Eloit leaves a significant legacy, having enhanced global cooperation to combat animal diseases. During her two mandates, WOAH has strengthened its Members’ capacity and inclusivity, expanding support for veterinary paraprofessionals and community animal health workers. Fostering innovation, WOAH also implemented data-driven programmes such as the Observatory, a monitoring mechanism of the implementation of WOAH Standards, and the global database on animal antimicrobial use, ANIMUSE.  

As we celebrate WOAH’s 100th anniversary, we reflect on a century of unwavering commitment to global animal health. The future presents complex and interconnected challenges, from zoonotic diseases to the sustainability of animal production. WOAH is prepared to take the lead in addressing these issues with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.   

Transboundary animal diseases, with their ability to spread rapidly across borders and escalate into epidemics, pose serious threats to global economic stability, trade, livelihoods, global  health and food security.  

The Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), a joint initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), has dedicated its efforts since 2004 to address major global and regional animal diseases and zoonoses. 

On 24 May, we commemorate the 20^th anniversary of GF-TADs and the significant milestones achieved in enhancing animal diseases surveillance and reporting mechanisms, developing early warning systems, and strengthening capacity-building efforts within animal health services. By fostering collaboration among regional and subregional organizations as well as national veterinary authorities,
GF-TADs has facilitated the coordination of efforts to tackle challenges in disease prevention, detection, and control. 

One of the notable successes of GF-TADs is its contribution to the eradication of rinderpest and reduction of the risk of  re-emergence.  In line with the Global Rinderpest Action Plan, GF-TADS has supported and coordinated efforts to raise awareness on vaccine availability, capacity building for rapid response to a re-emergence, as well as sequestering and destroying infectious material. Rinderpest is a highly contagious viral disease that plagued livestock populations for centuries. Through concerted efforts in the Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme led by FAO, WOAH and partners, including the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), rinderpest was officially declared eradicated in 2011, marking a significant achievement in the history of veterinary medicine and animal health. 

In addition to rinderpest, GF-TADs, through international cooperation, dialogue, and stepwise approaches to improvement has also prioritized the control and eradication of other transboundary animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and recently, the widely devastating highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).  

As a key component of FAO’s sustainable livestock transformation initiative, GF-TADs has helped countries make progress in reducing the prevalence and impact of these diseases by developing and implementing global and regional strategies tailored to specific disease threats. In particular, successful vaccination campaigns have been coordinated against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Southeast Europe, with swift support and capacity-building activities initiated for ASF in MesoAmerica following detection of ASF in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Similarly, coordination efforts have worked to address the emergence of viruses like LSD, PPR and ASF in Asia, along with FMD serotype O in the Middle East and Caucasus region, and to create momentum around the control of regional priority transboundary animal diseases (TADs) in Africa.  

In addition to the previous success stories, the successful launch of the new global strategy on HPAI, marks a fruitful collaboration between FAO and WOAH under GF-TADS. This strategy reflects the requests and recommendations made by the Member Countries and other stakeholders during the FAO and WOAH global meetings in 2023, as well as global and regional consultations. The strategy prioritizes prevention of impacts through early detection and control and reducing the risk of HPAI through poultry value chain transformation and biosecurity enhancements. By emphasizing a systems approach, the strategy aims to ensure that local challenges and realities are addressed to increase resilience in the poultry sector and protect the health of humans, ecosystems, and animals. 

Despite these achievements, GF-TADs partners continue to face challenges. These include the emergence and spread of TADs, lack of capacity in the animal health workforce, reduced  access to quality vaccines, difficulties in resource mobilization, competing priorities, and a lack of political will to invest in TADs prevention and control. Additionally, long-range movements and marketing of animals and animal products, increased opportunities for livestock-wildlife interactions, and challenges in timely identification and traceability of infected animals can increase the risk for larger and more severe outbreaks. However, GF-TADs remains committed to its mission of enhancing global cooperation and coordination, including increased financial support, to tackle these risk factors at their source and reduce the impacts of transboundary animal diseases.

As GF-TADs celebrates its accomplishments over the years, it underscores the importance of international collaboration and partnership among all the stakeholders involved in addressing complex challenges in animal health. Through multidisciplinary and One Health approaches, public-private partnerships, and working together, countries can build more resilient veterinary systems, stop the losses caused by TADS, safeguard food security, and protect livelihoods for future generations.