New Delhi, May 23 -- Infectious animal diseases are spreading to previously unaffected regions and species, with nearly half (47 per cent) capable of zoonotic transmission or spreading between animals, according to the inaugural State of the World's Animal Health report released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on May 23, 2025.

Increasing distribution and intensity of diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, foot and mouth disease (FMD) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was highlighted by the report, warning that their proliferation was destabilising agrifood systems. These disruptions threatened global food security, public health and biodiversity.

Major outbreaks were recorded across several r...