WOAH Report on the Global Wildlife Disease Situation in the Semester of 2024

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released a report detailing exceptional disease events affecting wildlife globally from January to June 2024. The report highlights the critical role of wildlife health in biodiversity conservation and ensuring a sustainable future.

Between January and June 2024, 55 countries and territories reported a total of 3,800 wildlife disease outbreaks to WOAH via the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). These outbreaks involved over 11,500 cases and encompassed eight reported diseases affecting 151 wildlife species. Alarmingly, 15 of the impacted species (10%) are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as at risk of extinction.

African swine fever (ASF) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)—both with severe implications for domestic animals were identified as the primary drivers of these outbreaks, accounting for 2,863 and 659 cases, respectively. Classical swine fever followed with 257 outbreaks, while epizootic haemorrhagic disease, peste des petits ruminants, rabies, trichinellosis, and West Nile disease were each responsible for fewer than 20 outbreaks.

Approximately 78% of the affected species are classified as “ Least Concern ” under conservation standards. However, the report highlights the widespread impact of diseases on species across varying extinction risk levels: seven species (4%) are listed as “ Vulnerable ,” four (3%) as “ Near Threatened ,” three (2%) as “ Endangered ,” and one (1%) as “ Critically Endangered .” Furthermore, 20% of the reported outbreaks involved diseases with zoonotic potential, emphasizing the intricate interconnection between wildlife health and human health.

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza caused the death and culling of over 557 million chickens globally between 2005 and 2023. In 2024, its geographic spread expanded alarmingly, affecting the Antarctic region for the first time. HPAI affected 13 of the 15 at-risk species reported. For instance, in Taiwan, five individuals of the endangered black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor, global population: 2,200 adults) died. Similarly, in Hungary, a saker falcon (Falco cherrug Gray, 1834; population: 12,200–29,800) was infected. Additionally, 12 African penguins (Spheniscus demersus Linnaeus, 1758; population: approximately 41,700) were affected in South Africa.

Although HPAI predominantly affects avian species, its detection in various wild mammal species raises significant concerns about its increasing interspecies transmissibility and zoonotic potential. To date, HPAI has only sporadically infected humans, with cases limited to individuals in close contact with animals and exhibiting low human-to-human transmission capability.

Geographic Distribution and Conclusions

Geographically, the majority of cases occurred in Europe (78%), followed by Asia (12%), Africa (4%), the Americas (3%), and Oceania (2%). No outbreaks were reported in Antarctica.

The report highlights the intricate interdependence of ecosystems, emphasizing how wildlife health is closely linked to the health of domestic animals, the environment, and humans. A systematic disease monitoring framework within the animal health domain is critical to protecting domestic animals, ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding human health. These efforts represent an essential investment in fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Source: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)