The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) offers a framework for its Members to seek official recognition of animal health status for six priority diseases on a voluntary basis. This recognition is essential for supporting national livestock economies by facilitating regional and international trade of animals and their products.
In 2024, five countries successfully obtained official recognition for their animal health status. These achievements mark significant progress in the global battle against highly contagious livestock diseases. The official recognition of these statuses not only acknowledges the effective disease control, prevention, and early detection measures implemented by these countries but also enhances their access to regional and international markets.
In addition to celebrating these new recognitions, it is important to highlight the successful maintenance of the 385 already officially recognized animal health statuses and endorsed control programs. Members can also submit their official control programs for four diseases for WOAH’s assessment. In 2023, Zambia received the endorsement of its official control program for dog-mediated rabies, following Namibia and the Philippines in 2022. This achievement is a significant step forward in combating a disease that still causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. These countries’ efforts contribute to the ‘Zero by 30’ global goal to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
The recognition of animal health status by WOAH not only highlights the accomplishments of individual countries in disease control but also plays a crucial role in promoting safe trade of animal goods and improving the livelihoods of those dependent on the livestock sector. With more countries seeking recognition for their animal health statuses, there is hope that this progress will continue and lead to a safer world for both animals and humans alike.
