Animal diseases transmissible to humans transcend borders

60 percent of human infectious diseases originate from animals. The brutal climate changes the world has faced over the past decade amplify and aggravate this phenomenon. New animal diseases are appearing, most of which can be transmitted to man. Of the 126 countries that participated in an OIE study, 71 percent claimed that they were “extremely worried by the impact of climate change on animal diseases.” Moreover, 58 percent blamed climate change for the resurgence of at least one animal disease transmissible to man.

Diseases aplenty

Among the most cited is the Rift Valley fever (a serious viral disease affecting domestic animals, especially cattle and humans). Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar focused on the Nile virus (yellow fever) and African horse sickness. By disrupting the normal climatic patterns, climate change has accelerated and widened the spread of these diseases.

Blue tongue disease, an illness that is currently affecting sheep in northern Europe is a striking example. The origin of this spread: primarily climate change, which encourages disease-carrying insects to colonize new more temperate areas, and global shifts, which allow these diseases to spread more rapidly. We have recently witnessed the global capacity of the spread of diseases: swine flue now affects 48 countries.

The OIE is thus calling for the international community to increase research and strengthen sanitation and communication facilities. But many are pessimistic. “Nothing indicates that the number of new diseases emerging is going to decrease,” says Peter Black, an author on the subject. The planet is under stress and is letting us know. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the spread of animal diseases are however not easy goals to attain. Modifications to the diets of some animals could reduce methane emission from ruminants, but intensive farming is also creating circumstances favorable to the emergence of new diseases.

A reduction in food

Another serious issue exists. Sicknesses transmissible to man are not the only ones threatening mankind; killing off animal populations also reduces food supplies. The shortages and deficiencies these epidemics bring about threaten the people who rely upon the livestock for food; it is a social problem and an indisputable health issue. It is estimated that 20 percent of global production destined for consumption is lost due to animal diseases. The problem is twofold. Animal diseases transmissible to humans are spreading faster than the manufacture of vaccinations, and those diseases pose problems, due to the consequential loss of food.

The OIE has set up a server named WAHIS (World Animal Health Information System) that links countries around the world and collects information in real time. Better communication, cooperation, and efficiency across health systems worldwide, are necessary to slow the spread of these epidemics, known or emerging. Without a doubt, we must also reconsider the means used in raising livestock and agriculture. Intensive farming is the enemy of animal health.

To learn more about animal illnesses consult the OIE website.

Tags: climate change, diseases, swine flu, epidemics, health crisis, OIE