These findings are presented in the annual State of the World's Animal Health report published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
According to the organisation, animal diseases destroy more than 20% of global animal production every year. The impact is felt most severely in low- and middle-income countries, where livestock production plays a vital role in food security, livelihoods, and economic resilience.
WOAH notes that declining international development assistance is placing additional pressure on animal health systems. In 2025, total global development assistance for health fell to approximately US$39.1 billion, while less than 2.5% of that amount was allocated to animal health—equivalent to only about 0.6% of total global health spending.
Experts emphasise that veterinary services are the world's first line of defence against emerging infectious diseases, with approximately 75% of new human infectious diseases originating in animals.
At the same time, the report indicates that veterinary capacity is weakening in many countries. According to recent WOAH assessments, 18% of countries have experienced declining veterinary service capacity, while 22% have seen a reduction in the capacity of veterinary paraprofessionals.
WOAH estimates that bringing veterinary services in every country up to international standards would require approximately US$2.3 billion per year. By comparison, this represents less than 0.05% of the US$3.6 trillion in global economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Based on assessments conducted in 54 countries and territories through the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) programme, an average 52% increase in funding would be required to ensure effective veterinary services. Encouragingly, more than half of the countries that completed PVS evaluations and received WOAH recommendations have already reported increased investment in their veterinary systems.
WOAH calls on governments to integrate animal health systems into broader national strategies covering public health, food security, economic development, and national security. The organisation also urges development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to shift investment from crisis response toward long-term prevention, stressing that timely investment in veterinary systems is one of the most effective ways to prevent future animal disease outbreaks and pandemics.
PigUA.info, based on 3tres3.com