Impact of Climate Change and Environmental Change on Emerging and Re-emerging Animal Diseases and Animal Production

Climate change and environmental change are a subset of the larger set of ecosystem changes that are promoting the emergence and re-emergence of animal diseases. The complexity of the interconnectedness between a wide range of factors influencing the emergence and re emergence of animal diseases means that uncertainty will continue to be a feature of the future. Central Veterinary Authorities responsible for disease preparedness and response thus need to develop systems and strategies that are adaptable, resilient and capable of dealing with the unexpected. They will need to focus on anticipating, preventing and responding to emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, irrespective of their cause. The responses to a recent questionnaire distributed to OIE Members revealed that most animal health officials are concerned by the impact of climate change and environmental change on emerging and re-emerging animal diseases. As expected, many Members identified a number of vector-borne diseases associated with climate change. Most Members indicated that the Central Veterinary Authority worked with other departments or agencies to address climate change and environmental change issues. Many OIE Members are not confident that veterinary institutions are effectively preparing professionals who are capable of understanding the impact of climate change and environmental change on emerging and re-emerging animal diseases. The responses to the questionnaire also indicated an almost unanimous support for OIE to do more to assist Members to address the issues of the impacts of climate change and environmental change on emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, including at the regional and sub-regional level. Most Members also indicated that they are keen to form their own ad hoc working or interest groups to address these issues.