Latest news with #EmmanuelleSoubeyran
Euractiv
09-07-2025
- Health
- Euractiv
Hardwire One Health into EU law before ‘Disease X' strikes
The next pandemic will likely emerge where humans, animals, and ecosystems intersect, yet veterinary systems remain Europe's blind spot. That warning dominated the 'Preventing Disease X' conference in Brussels on 3 July, where experts called for EU policy to match the scale of the risk. Their message was clear: if One Health is to be more than a buzzword, it must be hardwired into legislation, now, before Disease X strikes. Most pandemics, including COVID-19, began with zoonotic pathogens, and the next one, dubbed Disease X, likely will too. Preventing it starts with animal health. From concept to capability Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director-General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), delivered a blunt assessment: 'One Health is not only a concept, but it is becoming a binding principle of global health programmes. But principles are not enough, and they need to be translated into actions, especially when the first signs of disease emerge. That's why veterinary services must be at the frontlines of pandemic prevention.' She called the COVID-19 pandemic 'a governance stress test that exposed painful gaps in surveillance in the veterinary system and in public health systems and in multi-sectoral coordination.' Those gaps, she warned, still exist. The problem isn't just technical. It's political. Soubeyran said: 'We need to raise the profile of animal health and convince both political and private decision-makers that investment in animal health is very important. Animal health is not only an issue of animal health. It has an impact on trade, food security and public health and antimicrobial resistance and also impacts on biodiversity and environmental impact.' Yet the conversation too often stops at ministries of health. 'Most of the time I speak about One Health in front of ministers of health, but not in front of ministers of agriculture or ministers of economy,' she said. 'I should speak with Ministers of Agriculture, Ministers of Economy, and Ministers of Finance as well.' Without that broader engagement, she warned, the One Health agenda risks narrowing into 'One Human Health.' Governance meets the laboratory Jean-Baptiste Perrin of the European Commission's DG Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) acknowledged the governance gap, and outlined efforts to fix it. 'We have the preparedness strategy published in March, but additional strategies are coming,' he said. Chief among them is a new EU stockpiling strategy, due on 8 July. While focused on medical countermeasures (MCMs), it has clear implications for zoonotic outbreaks. 'One is the stockpiling strategy, so explaining how the European stockpile can articulate with national, sometimes regional, or local stockpile for meaningful countermeasures,' Perrin explained. Also in the pipeline is a strategy for novel countermeasures (NCMs), mapping the full value chain from innovation to deployment. 'One very important point in this strategy … [is] the governance and the coordination, the chain of command that needs to be clear in time of crisis.' HERA is also working on threat-specific technical roadmaps. 'We're working on threat-specific roadmaps tailored to each pathogen and its most effective countermeasures.' To support this, HERA is building links between human and veterinary institutes, a concrete expression of the One Health vision. However, Perrin stressed that none of this will work unless member states collaborate. 'It's a complex task, especially given the differing competencies of Member States.' Legislative levers remain limited Asked whether the Critical Medicines Act (CMA) could expand HERA's remit to cover veterinary tools, Perrin acknowledged structural limits. 'There is a specific difficulty at European level to properly and fully implement the One Health approach … we do not have the same competency in public health and animal health. That said, it's worth discussing, and I think we need to keep the discussion open and reflect further on the mandate. But as of today we need to concentrate on human health,' he said. The price of neglect If money was missing from the conversation, Professor Jonathan Rushton supplied the spreadsheet. 'Economics is not just for advocacy,' the agricultural economist from the University of Edinburgh warned. 'Economics can help with the drivers of human behaviour … and it can support the assessment of the incentives about how we get people involved in vaccination campaigns.' Rushton noted that animal health contributes to far more than farm productivity. 'We're providing animals that are healthy; they provide products that are safe to eat, in quantity, that actually provides important micronutrients and proteins … it's also an economic activity.' Yet global spending still fails to reflect this importance. In a livestock sector worth an estimated $3.3 trillion annually, animal health spending barely reaches 2 percent of that. 'In 2021, $10 trillion was spent on human health. $70 billion was spent on animal health. It's minuscule.' Prevention is not a luxury Roxane Feller, Secretary-General of Animal Health Europe, closed the meeting by reinforcing what others had said throughout the day: investment in animal health is strategic. 'Animal health is not a cost, it's an investment.' Political momentum is growing, she noted, citing a new Parliament report on livestock sustainability, and recent Council debates on vaccination and disease control. But the One Health gap remains. 'The missing elephant in the room is more on One Health. We still believe that there is a lack of understanding of this intrinsic correlation between human, animal and environmental health.' That disconnect is felt most acutely on the ground. Emily, a young dairy farmer from South Devon, shared the emotional and financial toll of losing over 130 cows to bovine tuberculosis (TB), wiping out decades of selective breeding and destabilising her entire business and family. 'TB's just not a disease when you're losing cows,' she said. 'It absolutely ruins your life.' Her story underscored what many experts argued throughout the day: that prevention must start with engagement, support, and investment, well before crisis hits. From silos to systems What emerged from the conference was not a lack of awareness, but a shared frustration at the fragmentation of the current system. Governance remains weak, investment lags, and political engagement is too narrow. Surveillance, veterinary services, and pandemic response must be connected through legislation, budgets, and cross-sector cooperation. As Soubeyran concluded, 'We cannot prevent every outbreak … but with sustained political will, coordinated investment, cross-sectoral action, we can stop the next pandemic, or at least we can get prepared to be more efficient.' Europe must act before Disease X makes preparation irrelevant. [Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
The Star
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Bird flu outbreaks in mammals double, raising human risk, says report
SOUTH-EAST ASIA (AFP): Outbreaks of bird flu in mammals more than doubled across the world last year, raising the risk that the virus could potentially spread between humans, an international agency warned on Friday. Avian influenza has spread across the world like never before in the last few years, leading to the mass culling of poultry, sending egg prices soaring and causing the deaths of several people in contact with infected animals. While the overall risk of human infection remains low, bird flu outbreaks among mammals such as cattle, dogs and cats increase the possibility that the virus could eventually adapt to transmit between humans, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said in a new report. The number of mammal outbreaks soared to 1,022 across 55 countries last year, compared to 459 in 2023, according to the Paris-based agency, which monitors animal diseases worldwide. "It is concerning because it is a change in the pattern of the epidemiology of the virus," WOAH's director general Emmanuelle Soubeyran told AFP. Health experts have been sounding the alarm about the potential pandemic threat posed by bird flu, which has shown signs of mutating as it spreads in particular among dairy cows in the United States. The new report comes as the budgets of US health and science agencies have been slashed by the Trump administration. This included the sacking earlier this year of the staff of an epidemiology programme known as the "disease detectives". - 'Global emergency' - Bird flu "is more than an animal health crisis -- it is a global emergency destabilising agriculture, food security, trade and ecosystems," the report warned. More than 630 million birds have either died from avian influenza or been culled due to it over the last two decades, according to the agency's first annual State of the World's Animal Health report. Wild birds have also suffered mass die-offs, although the exact number is difficult to estimate. The report highlighted the role that vaccination can play in stemming outbreaks among birds -- which in turn decreases the risk to mammals and humans. It cited the example of France, which started vaccinating poultry ducks against bird flu in 2023. Modelling from the Toulouse Veterinary School estimated there would be 700 outbreaks in France that year. In the end, there were just 10, the report said. Soubeyran said this was a "win-win" because it reduced exposure to humans -- and meant there were more poultry products available for export. However, she emphasised that vaccines were not a "magic wand" and did not suit every situation. Biosecurity, surveillance, increased transparency and global collaboration are also important tools to fight off the threat of bird flu, Soubeyran added, calling for more investment in these areas. - Antibiotic use falls - Last month Mexico reported its first human death from bird flu, a three-year-old girl. The US recorded its first death in January, while there have been two deaths in Cambodia this year. Nearly 50 percent of bird flu infections have historically proved fatal, according to the World Health Organization. It says the human cases detected so far are mostly linked to people who had close contact with infected birds and other animals, or contaminated environments. The WOAH report also warned more broadly about the rising danger of animal diseases crossing over into humans as climate change pushes species into new areas. Nearly 70 percent of the emerging diseases notified to the agency over the last 20 years were considered to have the potential to pose a threat to human health, it said. Another danger is the increasing resistance some diseases are having to antibiotics, which is "one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and economic stability", the report said. In positive news, use of antibiotics in animals fell by five percent between 2020 and 2022. Europe saw the biggest decline -- 23 percent, it added, calling for further reductions. - AFP
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bird flu outbreaks in mammals double, raising human risk: report
Paris: Outbreaks of bird flu in mammals more than doubled across the world last year, raising the risk that the virus could potentially spread between humans, an international agency warned on Friday. Avian influenza has spread across the world like never before in the last few years, leading to the mass culling of poultry, sending egg prices soaring and causing the deaths of several people in contact with infected animals. While the overall risk of human infection remains low, bird flu outbreaks among mammals such as cattle, dogs and cats increase the possibility that the virus could eventually adapt to transmit between humans, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said in a new report. The number of mammal outbreaks soared to 1,022 across 55 countries last year, compared to 459 in 2023, according to the Paris-based agency, which monitors animal diseases worldwide. "It is concerning because it is a change in the pattern of the epidemiology of the virus," WOAH's director general Emmanuelle Soubeyran told AFP. Health experts have been sounding the alarm about the potential pandemic threat posed by bird flu, which has shown signs of mutating as it spreads in particular among dairy cows in the United States. The new report comes as the budgets of US health and science agencies have been slashed by the Trump administration. This included the sacking earlier this year of the staff of an epidemiology programme known as the "disease detectives". - 'Global emergency' - Bird flu "is more than an animal health crisis -- it is a global emergency destabilising agriculture, food security, trade and ecosystems," the report warned. More than 630 million birds have either died from avian influenza or been culled due to it over the last two decades, according to the agency's first annual State of the World's Animal Health report. Wild birds have also suffered mass die-offs, although the exact number is difficult to estimate. The report highlighted the role that vaccination can play in stemming outbreaks among birds -- which in turn decreases the risk to mammals and humans. It cited the example of France, which started vaccinating poultry ducks against bird flu in 2023. Modelling from the Toulouse Veterinary School estimated there would be 700 outbreaks in France that year. In the end, there were just 10, the report said. Soubeyran said this was a "win-win" because it reduced exposure to humans -- and meant there were more poultry products available for export. However, she emphasised that vaccines were not a "magic wand" and did not suit every situation. Biosecurity, surveillance, increased transparency and global collaboration are also important tools to fight off the threat of bird flu, Soubeyran added, calling for more investment in these areas. - Antibiotic use falls - Last month Mexico reported its first human death from bird flu, a three-year-old girl. The US recorded its first death in January, while there have been two deaths in Cambodia this year. Nearly 50 percent of bird flu infections have historically proved fatal, according to the World Health Organization. It says the human cases detected so far are mostly linked to people who had close contact with infected birds and other animals, or contaminated environments. The WOAH report also warned more broadly about the rising danger of animal diseases crossing over into humans as climate change pushes species into new areas. Nearly 70 percent of the emerging diseases notified to the agency over the last 20 years were considered to have the potential to pose a threat to human health, it said. Another danger is the increasing resistance some diseases are having to antibiotics, which is "one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and economic stability", the report said. In positive news, use of antibiotics in animals fell by five percent between 2020 and 2022. Europe saw the biggest decline -- 23 percent, it added, calling for further reductions.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Infectious animal diseases migrating to new species, about half raise threat to humans: Report
Infectious animal diseases are affecting new areas and species, with half (47 per cent) having zoonotic -- or animal-to-human – potential, raising the risk of newer pandemics, according to a global report. The new annual assessment, published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), provides the first comprehensive review of animal disease trends, risks, and challenges, from the uptake and availability of vaccines to the use of antibiotics in animals. It showed that the reported number of avian influenza outbreaks in mammals more than doubled last year compared to 2023 with 1,022 outbreaks across 55 countries compared to 459 outbreaks in 2023. While its risk to humans remains low, the more mammalian species such as cattle, cats, or dogs are infected, the greater the possibility of the virus adapting to mammal-to-mammal, and potentially human, transmission, the authors said. '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, Director General of WOAH. The report also mentioned the increasing distribution and intensity of diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, foot and mouth disease (FMD), and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). It warned that their proliferation was destabilising agrifood systems, which can undermine global food security and biodiversity, in addition to human health. The report cited climate change and increased trade as factors influencing the spread and prevalence of animal diseases, majorly recorded across several regions in 2024 and early 2025. Although many are preventable through a combination of vaccination, improved hygiene, and biosecurity measures, the report noted that access to animal vaccines remains uneven around the world. '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,' Soubeyran added. The report also emphasised the importance of disease prevention for reducing the need for antibiotic treatment and limiting the development of drug-resistant diseases.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
WOAH report: Infectious animal diseases affecting new areas and species
The 'spread, prevalence and impact of infectious animal diseases' is changing and bringing new challenges, according to a new report published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) today (Friday, May 23). The WOAH report details that animal diseases are migrating into previously unaffected areas, half of which have zoonotic, or animal-to-human, potential. The organisation has highlighted that outbreaks of bird flu in mammals more than doubled last year with 1,022 outbreaks across 55 countries compared to 459 outbreaks in 2023. The authors of the report warn that while the risk of human infection remains low, the 'more mammalian species' – such as cattle, cats or dogs infected – the greater the possibility of the virus adapting to mammal-to-mammal, and potentially human, transmission. Animal diseases Bird flu – which has resulted in the culling or loss of more than 630 million birds in the last two decades – was according to WOAH, one of several animal diseases to affect new areas last year. But it also identified a number of concerning developments including: The spread of African swine fever (ASF) to Sri Lanka marked the most significant 'disease jump' of the year – travelling more than 1,800 km from the nearest outbreaks; Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) once confined to the global south recently re-emerged in Europe, with outbreaks in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary; A total of 3,517 bluetongue outbreaks were reported by 23 countries; Germany experienced its first foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak since 1988 and EU's first since 2011. A zone within South Africa recorded the first occurrence of serotype SAT 3, while Iraq and Kuwait also reported an outbreak of serotype SAT 1; The lumpy skin disease (LSD) was detected for the first time in northern Africa, with outbreaks reported in Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia, as well as Japan; The report also highlights that half of the WOAH-listed diseases notified to the organisation between 2005 and 2023 were considered a threat to human health with zoonotic, or animal-to-human infection, potential. The organisation has pointed to 'climate change and increased trade' among the key factors influencing the spread and prevalence of animal diseases. According to WOAH, many of these diseases are preventable through a combination of vaccination, improved hygiene and biosecurity measures. However the report also set out that access to animal vaccines remains uneven around the world. Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, director general of WOAH, said:' 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. 'To limit the spread of highly damaging diseases like avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and PPR, the global community must strengthen international cooperation and ensure equitable access to safe, effective vaccines, alongside other control measures.' Since 2006, WOAH has supported access to animal vaccines through its vaccine banks and currently operates two, one for rabies and one for PPR. In the latest report its stresses the importance of disease prevention for reducing the need for antibiotic treatment and limiting the development of drug-resistant diseases. The latest figures indicate that antimicrobial use, including antibiotics, in animals fell 5% between 2020 and 2022, with use in Europe seeing the biggest decline of 23%, followed by Africa at 20%. However, one in five countries continue to use antimicrobials as growth promoters, which is discouraged by WOAH.
