Published in News
Disease Hits Meat Trade
Newly reported animal disease outbreaks across multiple countries are increasing the risk of trade restrictions, higher compliance costs, and supply disruption in global meat and livestock markets.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
The World Organisation for Animal Health’s World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) has reported a series of animal disease events across Europe, the Americas, and Africa during the third week of January 2026. The notifications highlight the continued global challenge of managing transboundary animal diseases that threaten livestock, wildlife, biodiversity, and food security.
Avian Influenza H5N1 Continues to Spread in Europe
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 remains the most frequently reported disease during this period.
Romania, Poland, and Finland confirmed new detections of H5N1 in non-poultry populations, including wild birds. These findings suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in migratory bird populations, which increases the risk of further spread across regions.
The United Kingdom reported an outbreak of H5N1 affecting poultry, underscoring the continued vulnerability of commercial and backyard flocks despite biosecurity measures.
H5N1 is known for its severe impact on poultry production and wildlife, and its persistence in wild birds complicates eradication efforts.
New World Screwworm Reported in Mexico
Mexico submitted multiple notifications of Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World screwworm, on 22 January 2026. This parasitic fly poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, and occasionally humans, as its larvae feed on living tissue.
The repeated reports may reflect either multiple affected locations or continued surveillance detections. Re-emergence or spread of screwworm is of particular concern due to its potential economic impact on the livestock sector and the intensive control measures required to contain it.
Amphibian Disease Detected in Belgium
Belgium reported the presence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, a lethal fungal pathogen affecting salamanders and other amphibians. First identified in Europe in the last decade, this disease has caused severe population declines and represents a major threat to amphibian biodiversity.
The continued detection highlights the long-term ecological risks posed by emerging wildlife diseases.
African Swine Fever in Lithuania
Lithuania notified a case of African swine fever (ASF) on 20 January 2026. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, with no available vaccine.
The disease continues to challenge pig production systems across Europe, leading to trade restrictions, culling, and significant economic losses.
Anthrax Reported in South Sudan
The Republic of South Sudan reported an outbreak of anthrax, a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects livestock and can be transmitted to humans. Anthrax outbreaks are often associated with environmental conditions such as flooding or drought, and they pose serious public health and food security risks in affected regions.
Global Implications
These reports illustrate the diverse range of animal health threats currently facing the world—from viral and bacterial diseases to parasitic and fungal infections. They also underscore the importance of international surveillance systems like WAHIS, which enable early warning, transparency, and coordinated responses.
Veterinary authorities worldwide continue to emphasize surveillance, biosecurity, and rapid reporting as critical tools to limit the spread of these diseases and protect animal and human health.
Source: https://wahis.woah.org/#/home