A new World Organisation for Animal Health analysis reveals a staggering $29.4 billion annual global investment gap in animal health systems, with the heaviest burden concentrated in resource-limited regions. Sub-Saharan Africa faces the largest shortfall at $12.8 billion annually, followed by South Asia at $8.5 billion. This funding crisis directly translates to surveillance deficits: 78% of low- and middle-income countries lack adequate veterinary systems to detect emerging disease threats. The epidemiological stakes are profound, as approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animal populations before zoonotic transmission to humans. According to WOAH Director-General Dr. Monique Éloit, this gap represents a critical vulnerability in global health security. The data underscores why ministers from 45 countries have committed to strengthening animal health infrastructure within their national budgets by 2027.
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