World Organization of Animal Health Urges Science-Driven Strategies for Effective Animal Health Surveillance

Avian influenza is a serious issue that continues to affect bird populations worldwide. As Dr. Torres emphasizes, monitoring how this virus spreads between species is crucial. This ongoing transmission can lead to mutations, potentially making the virus more dangerous.

Over the last 20 years, we have seen more than 633 million birds lost due to avian influenza. Recent outbreaks have included over 2,570 cases in non-poultry species. This highlights that the virus isn’t just limited to farm animals; it’s affecting wildlife too.

Vaccines are a promising solution to manage such outbreaks. However, using vaccines can create trade barriers. Dr. Torres points out that it’s important to discuss the implications of vaccination on global trade. For example, while vaccines have significantly reduced rabies-related deaths—which claim around 70,000 lives annually—debate remains about their role in preventing diseases like avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) stresses that better global cooperation is needed. They believe that equitable access to safe vaccines, combined with good hygiene and biosecurity practices, can limit the spread of these diseases.

Interestingly, a report found that antibiotic use in livestock dropped by 5% from 2020 to 2022, driven by improved health measures, including vaccination. If farmers further reduce antibiotic use by 30%, the global economy could benefit by $120 billion by 2050. This potential economic gain underscores the importance of good animal health practices.

Susana Guedes Pombo, president of WOAH, calls for ongoing investment in veterinary services worldwide. She insists that decision-making must be rooted in science, not politics, to promote safe trade and effective disease management.

Advancements in disease surveillance and diagnostic tools are also crucial for tracking outbreaks and ensuring transparency in trade. The goal is to reduce the prevalence of diseases that affect animals globally.

For more in-depth insights, you can explore WOAH’s full report on animal health here.

To wrap up, the fight against diseases like avian influenza requires a multi-faceted approach—better vaccines, reduced antibiotic reliance, and robust global cooperation are essential for healthier animals and a thriving economy.

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