Animal Health

Definition of Animal Health

Animal health refers to the physical, physiological, and behavioural well-being of livestock, companion animals, and managed wildlife, supported through disease prevention, appropriate nutrition, housing, husbandry, and veterinary care. In agricultural systems, animal health is closely linked to productivity, welfare standards, food safety, and environmental management.

Rather than focusing solely on the absence of disease, animal health encompasses an animal’s ability to grow, reproduce, and function normally within its environment while experiencing minimal stress or suffering.

Why Animal Health Matters

Animal health matters because it underpins sustainable livestock production, public health, and ethical food systems. Its importance includes:

• Improved productivity and efficiency through healthy growth and reproduction

• Enhanced animal welfare and ethical treatment standards

• Food safety and quality by reducing disease and contamination risks

• Economic stability for farmers through lower mortality and veterinary costs

• Reduced risk of zoonotic disease transmission to humans

• Environmental benefits through efficient feed use and reduced waste

Strong animal health management supports resilient farming systems and responsible food production.

Key Components of Animal Health

• Disease Prevention and Control – Vaccination, biosecurity, and early diagnosis

• Nutrition and Feeding – Balanced diets appropriate to species and life stage

• Housing and Environment – Clean, safe, and stress-reducing living conditions

• Animal Welfare Practices – Humane handling and ethical management

• Veterinary Care – Access to professional treatment and monitoring

• Biosecurity Measures – Preventing disease introduction and spread

• Record-Keeping and Monitoring – Tracking health, productivity, and treatments

Related Terms

• Animal Welfare

• Veterinary Medicine

• Livestock Management

• Biosecurity

• Sustainable Agriculture

• Zoonotic Disease

Useful Resources on Animal Health

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about animal health management, disease prevention, and welfare standards:

• FAO – Animal Health and Livestock Development – Global guidance on livestock health, disease control, and food security.

• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – International standards for animal health, welfare, and disease reporting.

• WHO – Zoonoses and One Health – Resources on animal–human health connections.

• USDA – Animal Health Programs – Research, regulation, and disease prevention resources.

• DEFRA – Animal Health and Welfare (UK) – Official UK guidance on livestock health standards and biosecurity.

• European Commission – Animal Health Policy – EU regulations and monitoring frameworks for animal health.

• AGRIS – Animal Health Research Database – Peer-reviewed studies on livestock diseases and health management.

• CABI – Animal Health and Production Compendium – Technical resources on animal diseases and management.

• Royal Veterinary College (RVC) – Research and education resources on animal health and welfare.

• NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) - a UK trade association representing the UK animal health industry.

• AnimalhealthEurope - the association representing manufacturers of animal medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in Europe.