What’s ahead for global animal health in 2025? 7 key areas to watch 

Antimicrobial resistance remains a serious global health concern. Misusing antibiotics in humans and animals has accelerated this issue, but the animal health sector has made significant strides in recent years. For example, Thailand reduced antimicrobial use by nearly half between 2017 and 2019, while Norway almost eliminated antibiotics in aquaculture through effective vaccination strategies. These achievements highlight the progress that can be made through collective action. Interested in more details? Check out the World Organisation for Animal Health’s 2024 report on AMR—it’s worth a read.

Avian influenza continues to wreak havoc on poultry and wild birds globally. Now present on every continent, the outbreak remains a major concern for both animal and human health. Since 2005, this disease has resulted in the loss of over 300 million birds. Strengthening global surveillance and biosecurity measures is essential to managing this threat. 

Rabies still poses a significant public health risk, especially in parts of Asia and Africa. However, the push to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 is gaining momentum. Mass vaccination campaigns, community education programs, and better vaccine delivery systems are all contributing to the fight against this deadly disease. 

Known as goat plague, PPR is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, causing immense economic losses for smallholder farmers. The good news? Efforts to eradicate PPR are ramping up. The PPR Global Eradication Programme, led by key international organisations, is focusing on widespread vaccination, improved diagnostics, and bolstered veterinary services, aiming for a 2030 milestone: the eradication of the disease. 

Foot and mouth disease continues to be a thorn in the side of livestock producers. This highly contagious virus not only threatens animal health but also disrupts international trade. Thanks to advances in vaccine development, surveillance systems, and biosecurity measures, the fight against FMD is becoming more coordinated on a global scale. 

Rising temperatures are altering the way vector-borne diseases spread. Mosquitoes, biting midges, and other disease carriers are now appearing in regions they couldn’t previously survive in, extending transmission seasons. Bluetongue serotype 3, for example, has recently made inroads into new parts of Europe. Climate change is forcing the animal health community to adapt and respond to these shifting patterns. 

Animal health isn’t just about domestic animals and livestock—wildlife health is increasingly in the spotlight. From chronic wasting disease to white-nose syndrome in bats, conserving wildlife is essential for maintaining biodiversity and reducing zoonotic risks. Collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and researchers are driving forward innovative monitoring and prevention strategies, emphasizing the critical connection between wildlife health and ecosystem resilience.