WOAH Calls for Stronger Surveillance and Coordination to Prevent zoonotic Spillover in Asia
A recent risk analysis by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) highlights critical gaps in surveillance and coordination across Asia, increasing the risk of zoonotic disease spillover events. the analysis, published August 11, 2025, underscores the need for a unified, “One Health” approach to pandemic preparedness.
The report identifies several key diseases of concern in wildlife populations, including African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), and rabies. However, effective response is hampered by notable barriers. Informal communication remains the primary method of intersectoral exchange, while the analysis pinpointed insufficient financial and human resources, a lack of national information systems for wildlife diseases, and the absence of legal frameworks and formal mechanisms for data sharing as the top obstacles to effective response.These deficiencies create structural weaknesses in connecting animal health services, environmental agencies, and public health authorities.A recurring theme from stakeholder workshops was a shortage of trained professionals equipped to conduct comprehensive wildlife disease investigations – encompassing field sampling, diagnostics, and data analysis. This skills gap not only delays national response times but also weakens collaborative efforts to prevent zoonotic transmission across borders.
Despite these challenges, the workshops revealed a strong willingness among stakeholders to improve collaboration. Participants proposed several concrete steps forward,including the progress of standard operating protocols for joint investigation of wildlife outbreaks,regular multisectoral simulation exercises,expanded involvement of local communities and non-conventional stakeholders,the implementation of digital tools to streamline data sharing and reporting,and the establishment of targeted training programs to enhance national and subnational expertise.
The report emphasizes that strengthening surveillance and reporting in wildlife populations is not merely a veterinary or environmental concern, but a national security imperative.Investing in multisectoral coordination is crucial to protecting citizens from emerging infectious diseases and safeguarding trade, travel, and economic stability.
WOAH stresses that pandemic preparedness cannot be compartmentalized, as disease threats disregard boundaries – geographic, disciplinary, and bureaucratic. The findings serve as a timely reminder that proactive investment in surveillance and coordination is essential to reducing the risk of another pandemic originating from wildlife reservoirs.
Source: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Risk Analysis of Spillover Events in Wildlife in Asia, August 11, 2025.
