The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is urging countries all around the world to increase spending. They want to see billions more go into veterinary services and biosecurity. This is key for protecting food supplies as well as reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Let’s have a closer look.

Funding boost

It’s a very challenging time at the moment for governments all around the world. Geopolitical instability, including the wars in Ukraine and Iran, are making more countries invest in defence and security. In fact, earlier this summer the UK confirmed it would invest an extra £15bn per year from 26/27 to 29/30. The £60bn will help to modernise our military capabilities and improve readiness.

However, while defence and security is certainly important, the WOAH is reminding countries of the importance of animal health. They want to see spending increase to $2.3bn per year. This would ensure veterinary services are stronger in countries, increasing the workforces (including vets), providing more labs, supporting research, improving disease monitoring, and more.

Crucially, WOAH is warning governments not to cut animal health funding in favour of defence and security. It could lead to serious problems, including disease outbreaks, food supply issues, and human health complications. In fact, it could be a false economy, ultimately resulting in much higher costs in the future.

Zoonotic disease

One of the biggest concerns is diseases that can pass from animals to humans. We saw how devastating they can be with the covid pandemic. There are fears even more emerging deadly diseases will come from animal origins. Significantly, we’ve already seen outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus in 2026.

Re-emerging problems

Additionally, there are concerns about the re-emergence of parasites and diseases if funding dips mean animal health defences weaken. It’s easy to get complacent when we seem to be on top of it. However, that doesn’t mean there is no more risk.

New World screwworm is a great example here. The parasitic blowfly can feed on livestock, and sometimes even humans. There was a massive attempt to eradicate it in the 50s and 60s, particularly in the US. It was successful, estimated to be completely gone for decades. Unfortunately, there were cases of screwworm in Texas in June 2026. It had spread from Panama, through Central America and Mexico, then into the US. The accusation is cuts to funding are to blame.

Food supplies

There is a lot of attention on food supplies at the moment, especially with the war in Iran causing disruption to fertiliser supplies and pushing up prices. Disease outbreaks are a massive problem too. Bird flu had a huge impact in 2025, causing the deaths or culling of over 160 million chickens in 64 countries. Funding is necessary to tackle things like this by investing in vaccination and biosecurity.

Some great products to improve animal health

JS Hubbuck Ltd always advises farmers to think about animal wellbeing. We’ve seen how devastating it can be in the UK with outbreaks of foot and mouth and bird flu. It’s much better to be proactive and take steps to prevent disease on farms in the first place.

We provide a number of fantastic products to help ensure animal health. This includes feeds, wormer, and more. Plus, we work with experts who can create bespoke feeding and housing solutions. So, get in touch if you need to order anything or want some advice.