ABSTRACT
Climate change impacts animal health in different ways, altering broad health determinants such as habitats, water and feed accessibility, but also animal disease epidemiology. Climate variations are shifting global needs in terms of animal health management and support, calling for international animal health organizations to adapt their strategies and interventions to support national Veterinary Services. The present chapter presents how leading international organizations in animal health mainstream climate change response into their strategic orientations and activities, as well as existing gaps and future avenues, for a more robust response to climate change. Global One Health collaboration and governance from animal health support greater integration of environmental considerations into animal health activities at international and country levels. However, Veterinary Services’ preparedness and involvement in climate change response remain limited. Current OIE and FAO's core activities to improve animal health and health systems’ strengthening positively contribute to climate change response, while support developed for emergency preparedness and disease surveillance call for further consideration of socio-climatic factors and other broader determinants of health to improve animal health intelligence and disease management. Robustness in mechanisms to support a two-way dialogue between animal health and climate organizations is needed at multiple levels to ensure that animal health becomes a central component in addressing climate change. Synergies between animal health activities in the domains of livestock, wildlife, conservation, and sustainable agriculture still need to be harnessed further by international agencies to better support Veterinary Services in filling a leadership gap at the intersection of animal, ecosystem, and human health, and bolster the impact of current climate change response.
