Latest news with #WorldOrganisationforAnimalHealth
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia officially declared free of equine infectious anemia by WOAH
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially recognized Saudi Arabia as free of equine infectious anemia (EIA), following a thorough technical assessment of the Kingdom's dossier submitted by the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pest and Animal Diseases (Weqaa). The recognition confirms that the Kingdom has met all international standards and conditions required to be declared free of this highly contagious equine disease. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect animal health and reflects its collaboration with global and regional partners to safeguard the environment and ensure the safety of its livestock. The move also enhances the Kingdom's international standing in managing diseases that impact equine species and could hinder horse competitions or cross-border movement. Dr. Sanad Al Harbi, Head of the Animal Health Sector at Weqaa, emphasized that the international recognition reflects the effectiveness of the veterinary procedures in place across the noted that this development would help facilitate international trade by reinforcing the credibility of Saudi Arabia's veterinary health certificates, aligned with the latest global Harbi added that Weqaa continues to implement proactive surveillance and prevention programs to curb the spread of animal epidemics. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to elevate the Kingdom's veterinary health systems and reinforce its global and regional leadership in the also highlighted the center's ongoing monitoring of global indicators related to animal diseases, particularly those affecting equines, which supports Saudi Arabia's ambitions to lead globally in horse racing and equine formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), is the world's leading authority on animal health. Established in 1924, it adopted its current name in May organization is tasked with ensuring transparency in animal disease reporting and improving global animal health to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world.
New Paper
3 days ago
- Health
- New Paper
Pet owners, vets must work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases
The Covid-19 pandemic and mpox and Ebola outbreaks globally serve as stark reminders of how diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans with severe consequences. These high-profile outbreaks have raised public awareness about zoonotic diseases - those that spread between animals and humans. Yet, these headline-making diseases are just the tip of the iceberg. Infectious animal diseases take various forms, such as newly discovered contagious diseases, familiar pathogens which appear in new areas and even common bacteria that develop resistance to the usual treatments. It is particularly concerning that 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Why pet owners should be concerned Urbanisation is increasing interactions between wildlife, pets and humans; climate change is allowing disease-carrying insects to survive in new areas; and global connectivity means diseases can spread faster. These increase the risk of pets being exposed to pathogens. In addition, evolving pet-care practices, such as feeding raw meat diets and the closer sharing of living spaces between pets and owners, are creating conditions that encourage the spread of zoonotic diseases. The good news is that veterinarians are at the front line of detecting and preventing these zoonotic disease threats. They are part of an early warning system that helps identify potential infectious disease risks before they become major outbreaks. When veterinarians notice unusual health or behavioural patterns in their pet patients, it can signal broader health concerns that might affect the community. This reflects Singapore's One Health approach, which recognises that the health of humans, animals and the environment are closely interlinked, with government agencies, academia and the private sector working closely together on transdisciplinary issues. Zoonotic diseases to watch for For pet owners, the challenges of infectious animal diseases might seem daunting, but by working together, veterinarians and pet owners can create strong defences to keep both animals and humans healthy. There is plenty of information on how Singapore works to prevent incursions of major zoonotic diseases, such as high pathogenicity avian influenza and rabies. Here are some examples of under-discussed zoonotic diseases that are more commonly found in pets and what people can do to minimise these risks. 1. Toxoplasmosis This is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. It is caused by a parasite and infects most warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans. Most cats that are infected do not show signs of disease, but some may develop fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. To protect cats from toxoplasmosis, owners should avoid feeding them raw meat. Another measure to protect cats is keeping them indoors to prevent them from hunting rodents. Under the new cat licensing requirements that started in September 2024, cat owners must ensure that their cats do not freely roam outdoors. Humans may be infected by the parasite that is shed in the faeces of infected cats. Reduce the risk of infection by removing faeces from the litter box at least once a day and wash your hands after handling the litter box. 2. Salmonellosis Raw meat is also a risk for another zoonotic bacteria that causes salmonellosis, which may cause severe gastrointestinal signs in pets and humans. Avoid feeding of raw meat to protect your pets and people from multiple zoonotic disease risks. 3. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that occurs worldwide, including in Singapore, and can affect both dogs and humans. It is common in urban areas where there are rat populations capable of spreading the bacteria and stagnant puddles of water from heavy rainfall. Dogs can get an annual vaccine that protects them from leptospirosis. The vaccine reduces the severity of disease and decreases shedding of bacteria, which provides protection to other animals and people who handle them. As transmission to humans can occur through contact with the urine and body fluids of infected animals, pet owners should practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water after handling the urine of their pets. Proper food waste disposal and responsible feeding of community animals can help reduce rat populations and hence reduce the likelihood of pets encountering infected rodents or contaminated environments. Tips on protecting your pets 1. Schedule yearly health check-ups with your veterinarian. For older pets, more frequent visits are recommended, typically every six months. 2. Vaccinate your pets and keep them up to date with boosters. 3. Feed nutritionally balanced, age-appropriate commercial pet food (such as kibbles or canned food) or consult your veterinarian on appropriate home-cooked diets. 4. If your pet is unwell, seek veterinary advice promptly. How to protect yourself and household members 1. Practise good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling pets and keeping your pet's living area clean. 2. If you are unwell, seek medical attention promptly and let your doctor know if you came into contact with animals. 3. Take extra precautions when high-risk groups are interacting with pets, including pregnant women, elderly individuals or people with compromised immune systems. By staying vigilant and working together, we can better protect both our pets and our communities from zoonotic health threats, and that is the essence of One Health.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Pet owners can protect their pets and themselves through regular vet check-ups, good hygiene, and informing doctors about animal contact if unwell. SINGAPORE – The Covid-19 pandemic and mpox and Ebola outbreaks globally serve as stark reminders of how diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans with severe consequences. These high-profile outbreaks have raised public awareness about zoonotic diseases – those that spread between animals and humans . Yet, these headline-making diseases are just the tip of the iceberg. Infectious animal diseases take various forms, such as newly discovered contagious diseases, familiar pathogens which appear in new areas and even common bacteria that develop resistance to the usual treatments. It is particularly concerning that 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Why pet owners should be concerned Urbanisation is increasing interactions between wildlife, pets and humans; climate change is allowing disease-carrying insects to survive in new areas; and global connectivity means diseases can spread faster. These increase the risk of pets being exposed to pathogens. In addition, evolving pet-care practices, such as feeding raw meat diets and the closer sharing of living spaces between pets and owners, are creating conditions that encourage the spread of zoonotic diseases. The good news is that veterinarians are at the front line of detecting and preventing these zoonotic disease threats. They are part of an early warning system that helps identify potential infectious disease risks before they become major outbreaks. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong Road South closed for repairs after car fell into sinkhole Asia Trump says Thailand and Cambodia agree to hold immediate ceasefire talks Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Singapore HSA will not trace vape users who throw away e-vaporisers in disposal bins at 23 CCs World Israel resumes airdrop aid to Gaza, military says World Turkey marks 50.5 deg C heat record in south-east Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes Opinion Metallurgy degree for IT job in Singapore? Why not, says Tata Consultancy's growth markets chief When veterinarians notice unusual health or behavioural patterns in their pet patients, it can signal broader health concerns that might affect the community. This reflects Singapore's One Health approach, which recognises that the health of humans , animals and the environment are closely interlinked, with government agencies, academia and the private sector working closely together on transdisciplinary issues. Zoonotic diseases to watch for For pet owners, the challenges of infectious animal diseases might seem daunting, but by working together, veterinarians and pet owners can create strong defences to keep both animals and humans healthy. There is plenty of information on how Singapore works to prevent incursions of major zoonotic diseases, such as high pathogenicity avian influenza and rabies. Here are some examples of under-discussed zoonotic diseases that are more commonly found in pets and what people can do to minimise these risks. 1. Toxoplasmosis This is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. It is caused by a parasite and infects most warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans . Most cats that are infected do not show signs of disease, but some may develop fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. To protect cats from toxoplasmosis, owners should avoid feeding them raw meat. Another measure to protect cats is keeping them indoors to prevent them from hunting rodents. Under the new cat licensing requirements that started in September 2024, cat owners must ensure that their cats do not freely roam outdoors. Humans may be infected by the parasite that is shed in the faeces of infected cats. Reduce the risk of infection by removing faeces from the litter box at least once a day and wash your hands after handling the litter box. 2. Salmonellosis Raw meat is also a risk for another zoonotic bacteria that causes salmonellosis, which may cause severe gastrointestinal signs in pets and humans . Avoid feeding of raw meat to protect your pets and people from multiple zoonotic disease risks. 3. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that occurs worldwide, including in Singapore, and can affect both dogs and humans . It is common in urban areas where there are rat populations capable of spreading the bacteria and stagnant puddles of water from heavy rainfall. Dogs can get an annual vaccine that protects them from leptospirosis. The vaccine reduces the severity of disease and decreases shedding of bacteria, which provides protection to other animals and people who handle them. As transmission to humans can occur through contact with the urine and body fluids of infected animals, pet owners should practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water after handling the urine of their pets. Proper food waste disposal and responsible feeding of community animals can help reduce rat populations and hence reduce the likelihood of pets encountering infected rodents or contaminated environments. Tips on protecting your pets 1. Schedule yearly health check-ups with your veterinarian. For older pets, more frequent visits are recommended, typically every six months. 2. Vaccinate your pets and keep them up to date with boosters. 3. Feed nutritionally balanced, age-appropriate commercial pet food (such as kibbles or canned food) or consult your veterinarian on appropriate home-cooked diets. 4. If your pet is unwell, seek veterinary advice promptly. How to protect yourself and household members 1. Practise good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling pets and keeping your pet's living area clean. 2. If you are unwell, seek medical attention promptly and let your doctor know if you came into contact with animals. 3. Take extra precautions when high-risk groups are interacting with pets, including pregnant women, elderly individuals or people with compromised immune systems. By staying vigilant and working together, we can better protect both our pets and our communities from zoonotic health threats, and that is the essence of One Health.
Euractiv
5 days ago
- Health
- Euractiv
Coordination key to tackling rise in livestock diseases, says WOAH
Surveillance, early warning systems and cross-border cooperation are essential to combat climate change, trade and pathogens adaptation that are driving a rise in animal diseases in Europe, says Montserrat Arroyo, Deputy Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). In recent years, European farmers have faced the emergence of previously unknown animal diseases, such as lumpy skin disease (LSD), and the return of others once eradicated, like foot-and-mouth disease. In Greece, sheep and goat pox has been declared a national emergency, while periodic waves of bird flu and African swine fever have been hitting the continent since 2014. According to Arroyo, the growing frequency of outbreaks requires adapting to a new reality. What follows is an edited transcript. What factors contribute to the emergence of diseases such as LSD in Europe, as seen in France and Italy? In the case of LSD, we don't yet know exactly where it originated. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. More broadly, the risk of disease incursions is rising due to climate change, trade evolutions, and changes in pathogen dynamics. These three factors are driving the emergence of diseases in places where they did not previously exist. Could you elaborate on how these factors impact animal diseases? For LSD, climate change certainly plays a role. It's a vector-borne disease, primarily transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks or flies. Temperature changes can enable these vectors to appear in areas where they were not previously present. In some cases, even extreme winds can transport them from one region to another. What about trade? Other possible origins of these outbreaks include transmission by an infected animal from an affected country or by imported equipment that has not been properly disinfected. We are seeing diseases emerge as a result of shifting consumption patterns. As populations move, their consumption habits and demand for certain products or animals change - and so do the associated risks. Generally, we hope all countries apply the correct trade measures. However, travellers sometimes bring in products from their countries without complying with the sanitary restrictions designed to prevent this. In some countries, we're seeing an increase in illegal trade, which further increases the risks. You also mentioned changes in pathogen dynamics. What does that mean? Diseases evolve and adapt. Take avian influenza, for example: it used to only affect domestic poultry, but it has since evolved and spread to certain wild bird populations. This increases the risk to domestic animals when they come into contact with wildlife. We just need to monitor how pathogens are moving, understand how they affect different species, and try to respond accordingly. We've also seen the emergence of other diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and bluetongue. Is this part of a broader upward trend? There have always been epidemics. But yes, we can say there has been an increase in outbreaks of diseases that were not previously present in the region. For example, it is the first time LSD has appeared in Continental Europe. Do these outbreaks have a lasting impact on farms, and do they pose a growing threat to the EU's food security? There are two types of impact: a direct one on producers, who are often severely affected, and a broader one on the country, which can be less severe if the disease is quickly contained. Take the example of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany. Fortunately, the impact was minor and well controlled because the disease was quickly identified and contained. But some countries are unable to respond as quickly. This is sometimes because they do not have access to vaccines or because their veterinary services are not sufficiently supported. In Europe, resilience is quite good. What does the WOAH recommend for managing disease outbreaks? The only way to prevent a costly outbreak is to invest in veterinary services. In addition, we recommend establishing strong surveillance and early warning systems. It's also important to strengthen biosecurity, implement vector control measures, and carry out vaccination. And, of course, coordination between countries is essential. Is the EU's regionalist approach, which focuses on affected regions rather than entire countries, a good method? The regionalisation approach is an excellent tool. It can even be used to open markets when only half of a country is free of a particular disease. The EU did not apply this measure to Brazil when it blocked poultry and meat exports to the bloc due to bird flu. What is your view on this? Europe has very strict regulations on regionalisation. These apply to third countries but are based on the EU's risk assessment and the information those countries provide. (adm, de)
Jordan News
6 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Jordan Lifts Restrictions on Poultry Imports from Brazil - Jordan News
The Ministry of Agriculture has lifted the previously imposed restrictions on poultry meat imports from Brazil, following the clearance of avian influenza concerns, according to Musbah Al-Tarawneh, Assistant Secretary-General for Livestock Affairs at the ministry. اضافة اعلان In a statement to Al-Mamlaka on Wednesday, Al-Tarawneh explained that Jordan had imposed restrictions in June on Brazilian poultry imports after a case of avian influenza was detected. He noted that Jordan imports an average of 8,000 to 10,000 tons of frozen chicken annually from Brazil, with the majority being used in local restaurants. Al-Tarawneh emphasized that technical teams at the ministry are closely monitoring health developments in countries exporting animal products and affirmed that the ministry will not hesitate to take necessary decisions to protect public health and the agricultural sector. Back in mid-June, the Ministry of Agriculture had announced the suspension of imports of live poultry and untreated poultry products from Brazil due to confirmed cases of bird flu. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure in line with the ministry's policy of safeguarding animal wealth, public health, and food security in the Kingdom. At the time, the ministry had stated that the suspension would remain in effect until the epidemiological situation in Brazil improves, and verified reports are received from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirming the outbreak is under control and that Brazilian veterinary authorities are implementing appropriate preventive and monitoring measures. It is worth noting that Brazil exported $10 billion worth of chicken meat last year, accounting for about 35% of global poultry trade.
