First outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants in Greece and Romania, and the rising threat of misinformation in animal health
World Organisation for Animal Health
Improving animal health globally, thereby ensuring a better future for all. (WOAH, founded as OIE)
Peste des petits ruminants hits Greece and Romania for the first time?
In July 2024, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a devastating virus for sheep and goats, was detected for the first time in Greece and Romania, countries previously free of the disease. With over 7,000 cases reported, urgent measures are being taken to contain the outbreaks. The spread of PPR into these regions raises concerns about its potential impact on Europe’s livestock industry, prompting intensified surveillance and control efforts.?
The next big threat to animal health emergencies: misinformation and disinformation??
In a fast-changing and polarised world, the need to fight falsehoods is greater than ever. The current digital landscape has forever changed the way we access and consume news. Digital technologies have fragmented media, giving online audiences a wide range of channels and outlets to source information from. Against this backdrop, the ability of individuals and institutions to tell fake news from real is continuously put to the test.???
Within the framework of a strong partnership, WOAH and INTERPOL recently published a ?set of guidelines on countering disinformation and misinformation in animal health emergencies.?
Placing aquatic animal health in the global agenda?
The health and welfare of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and amphibians have long been an overlooked aspect of veterinary policies, even though aquatic animal products are among the fastest-growing and most-traded food sources worldwide. Acknowledging the importance of aquatic animal health, WOAH has been developing specific tools to preserve it since the 1960s.?
WOAH in action
United Nations General Assembly: accelerating action against antimicrobial resistance in the animal health sector?
The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be addressed for the second time since 2016 during a High-Level Meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in September 2024. WOAH is participating in the discussions alongside its Quadripartite partners (FAO, UNEP and WHO). Our aim is to support the development of an action-oriented declaration to mobilise political will and efforts to address the root causes and challenges of AMR.?
World Rabies Day 2024: Breaking Rabies Boundaries?
For over 4,000 years, rabies has plagued humans and animals alike, and to this day, it remains one of the deadliest zoonoses. Marked every 28 September, the theme for this year’s World Rabies Day, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”, invites us to think outside the box and shatter the barriers that stand in the way of rabies elimination. These include gaps in international cooperation, a lack of access to essential resources (including quality vaccines) and limited public knowledge about the disease.?
Webinar: OFFLU Avian Influenza Matching (AIM) for Poultry Vaccines?
The WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza (OFFLU) hosted a webinar on the Avian Influenza Matching (AIM) for Poultry Vaccines on 10 July, 2024. The event introduced the OFFLU AIM project, provided a technical overview, and established a feedback forum for stakeholders.?
New additions to your reading list?
Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH assessment of recent influenza A(H5N1) virus events in animals and people?
WOAH in the news?
Singapore leads wildlife health efforts as chair of regional network from The Straits Times
23 species of mammals found infected with H5 bird flu in US from China Daily
Iraqi Agriculture confirms the eradication of the “blue tongue” disease: We have not recorded any infections for a month from Time News
Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance from Medindia
France reports bluetongue disease outbreak near Belgian border from Euromeat News
Act review to help expand veterinary workforce from FBC News
Argentina declared free of H5N1 in all birds from WATT Poultry
Disease of the month?
Peste des petits ruminants, or sheep and goat plague, is caused by a?morbillivirus?closely related to rinderpest virus, which affects goats, sheep, and some wild relatives of domesticated small ruminants, as well as camels.??
It is characterised by severe morbidity and mortality rates, and has a high?economic impact?in affected areas, threatening the livelihood of 300 million families every year.??
Consultante en intelligence économique chez Consultant
3 个月Speaking of co?ncidences....?