Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza more than doubled in mammals in 2024 from the year before, according to the World Organization for Animal Health.
The State of the World’s Animal Health Report documented 1,022 bird flu outbreaks in mammals last year compared with 459 in 2023.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has devastated poultry production worldwide, with more than 633 million birds lost to infection or culling over the past two decades.
Although the risk of human infection is low, outbreaks in other mammals increase the likelihood that the virus will adapt and eventually infect people.
The report, released ahead of the World Organization for Animal Health’s 92nd General Session, provides an overview of animal diseases worldwide and their impact on the global food supply and human health.
“The spread, prevalence and impact of infectious animal diseases are changing, bringing new challenges for agriculture and food security, human health and development, and natural ecosystems,” said Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, the organization’s director general. “By launching a new, annual assessment of the state of the world’s animal health, WOAH shines a light on our interconnected health issues and the solutions that can improve animal health and, by extension, global health.”
Additional findings in the report include:
- Animal diseases are spreading to new regions. African swine fever, avian influenza, bluetongue virus, foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, New World screwworm and peste des petits ruminants have migrated into previously unaffected areas, with almost half having zoonotic potential.
- Antimicrobial use in animals decreased by 5% from 2020 to 2022. An additional 30% reduction in antimicrobial use through stricter hygiene, vaccination and biosecurity efforts could lead to a $120 billion gain for the global economy by 2050.
- Access to livestock vaccines is a challenge in some countries due to unstable political situations, a lack of funding and vaccination hesitancy.
“Alongside other measures, vaccination remains one of the most powerful disease prevention tools available, saving countless lives, preventing economic losses and reducing the need for antimicrobial treatments,” Dr. Soubeyran said. “To limit the spread of highly damaging diseases like avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and (peste des petits ruminants), the global community must strengthen international cooperation and ensure equitable access to safe, effective vaccines, alongside other control measures.”