Vector-Borne Animal Diseases Increased Globally
Pet and livestock owners should monitor changing disease risks as climate and mobility affect animal health worldwide.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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Between 2023 and 2025, the World Organisation for Animal Health recorded a sharp rise in vector-borne disease events globally. This increase affects the distribution of illnesses such as bluetongue and West Nile fever across international regions.
Why it matters
Climate change and human activity are altering the geographical range and activity periods of disease-carrying vectors, creating new health risks for livestock and animals. These environmental shifts necessitate improved disease surveillance and preparedness for pet owners and farmers.
Bluetongue cases reached 38 events per year from 2023 to 2025, a significant increase from the 9.1 average recorded between 2015 and 2022. Additionally, West Nile fever reports surged to 55 per year from a previous average of 8.0.
The players
World Organisation for Animal Health
An intergovernmental organization that coordinates international efforts to improve animal health and welfare through surveillance and standardized codes.
PROVNA
A collaborative project focused on partnering with veterinary services in North Africa to manage disease surveillance since 2022.
The details
Veterinary services are now integrating earth observation data with local disease occurrence reports to map areas where vectors are likely to thrive. By utilizing Terrestrial Code recommendations, member nations assess the distribution and abundance of vectors. These measures are critical as anthropogenic factors and ecological disruption continue to influence the spread of disease.
Timeline
2005 marked the year bluetongue became the most reported vector-borne disease.
2015-2022 saw an average of 9.1 bluetongue events annually.
2022 initiated the PROVNA project partnership in North Africa.
Autumn 2023 introduced the BTV-3 serotype into north-western Europe.
2023-2025 reported an average of 38 bluetongue events per year.
The Home Front
The rise in disease events marks a departure from historical baselines established under the World Organisation for Animal Health Terrestrial Code. This trend reflects broader global shifts in ecological health that challenge existing animal safety and management protocols.
Animal owners should consult with a veterinarian regarding local vector activity and the recommended vaccination schedules for their specific region. Staying updated on regional alerts from local veterinary services is the most effective way to protect your animals from emerging threats.
The takeaway
The increasing frequency of vector-borne diseases highlights the importance of maintaining proactive health surveillance for all household animals. Work with your local veterinarian to understand the current disease risks in your specific area and ensure your animal's preventative care is up to date.
Further reading
Find more guidance on identifying and preventing illness in your animals in the Veterinary Medicine section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health.
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