The world is facing a severe outbreak of avian influenza, and Emmanuelle Soubeyran has been elected as the director general of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to lead the fight against this global crisis. Soubeyran, who was the chosen candidate for the European Union as a whole, also serves as France’s deputy director general for food.
Soubeyran’s election comes at a critical time when avian influenza is spreading not only to birds but also to mammals, including dairy cows in the United States. Concerns are rising about the potential mutation and transfer of the virus to humans.
Having led the implementation of France’s bird flu vaccination program for poultry, which was the first of its kind in Europe, Soubeyran is well-versed with the virus. Before her election, she expressed her goals of strengthening collaborations with international organizations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations’ FAO. Recent crises have underscored the interconnectedness of animal and human health, highlighting the need for closer ties between these sectors.
In addition to enhancing partnerships with other organizations, Soubeyran plans to promote private funding alongside public contributions to combat animal diseases and support research efforts. Her election comes at a crucial time when the world is grappling with the implications of animal diseases on global health and the environment.
