Viral diseases in animals

Viral animal infections

Nature

Animal diseases can be caused by viruses, which are self-reproducing agents that multiply only within susceptible living cells and lead to a wide range of infections and to cancer. The four main categories of viruses: animal and human; insect; plant; and bacterial, may be interchangeable and transmissible. For viruses to survive, there must be a means by which virus units can reach susceptible cells, multiply within these cells, and liberate into the environment. Viral animal diseases include rinderpest, rabies, distemper, hog cholera, fowl pox, infectious laryngotracheitis, Newcastle disease, and some cancers.

Background

The global significance of viral diseases in animals emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as devastating outbreaks—such as rinderpest in Africa and foot-and-mouth disease in Europe—demonstrated their capacity to decimate livestock populations and disrupt economies. Subsequent advances in virology and epidemiology revealed the complex transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential of these pathogens, prompting international surveillance and coordinated response efforts, notably through organizations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Incidence

Viral diseases in animals present a persistent and widespread challenge, affecting livestock, wildlife, and companion animals across all continents. Outbreaks can devastate agricultural economies, threaten food security, and disrupt trade, with zoonotic viruses posing additional risks to human health. The global movement of animals and changing environmental conditions have contributed to the increasing frequency and geographic spread of these diseases, making their control a significant international concern.
In 2022, an outbreak of African swine fever in the Dominican Republic led to the culling of thousands of pigs, severely impacting local farmers and raising alarms about the virus’s potential spread throughout the Americas.

Claim

Viral diseases in animals are a critical global threat that demands urgent attention. These diseases devastate livestock, wildlife, and pets, causing immense economic losses and endangering food security. Worse, many animal viruses can jump to humans, sparking deadly pandemics. Ignoring this issue is reckless and short-sighted. We must prioritize research, surveillance, and prevention of viral diseases in animals to protect both animal and human health—our future depends on it.

Counter-claim

Viral diseases in animals are vastly overhyped and do not deserve the attention they receive. Most animals recover naturally, and the economic impact is exaggerated. Resources spent on animal viruses could be better used elsewhere, as these diseases rarely affect humans directly. The panic around animal viral outbreaks is unnecessary and distracts from more pressing global issues. In reality, viral diseases in animals are not an important problem at all.

Viral diseases in animals

Nature

Background

Incidence

Claim

Counter-claim

Broader

Narrower

Aggravates

Aggravated by

Related

Strategy

Value

Reference

SDG

Metadata