Mexico Reaffirms Global Commitment to Animal Health

The Mexican government reaffirmed its commitment to global efforts in favor of animal health and welfare, aiming to strengthen both national and international food security. Javier Calderón, Director, National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA), reiterated this during the inaugural ceremony of the 91st General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which was attended by representatives from 183 member countries.

This year, WOAH celebrates its 100th anniversary. “As we embark on a new century, we will continue evolving, adapting, and collaborating with our members, the scientific community, and veterinary staff. Our goal is to further engage policymakers who play a role in building the future architecture of global animal health and welfare,” stated Monique Eloit, Director General, WOAH, during an official statement commemorating the organization's centenary.

Calderón stated that thanks to the efforts of Mexican veterinarians and the national productive sector, Mexico has received various recognitions from WOAH, including being declared free from African swine fever (ASF), and having an insignificant risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). "We recognize and celebrate the fundamental role of WOAH in issuing and updating standards that prevent the spread of pests and diseases, as well as promoting the safe trade of animal-origin goods, both terrestrial and aquatic," Calderón pointed out.

The Mexican representative emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating pests and diseases within the agricultural sector. "What happens in each country affects the world," said Calderón. In this regard, he noted that Mexico has decisively joined WOAH's initiatives to outline coordinated strategies to reduce health risks of economic importance in an environment where globalization and high mobility of people and goods increase threats.

Calderón highlighted that, at the national level, SENASICA has developed strategies to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance system and bolster zoo-sanitary actions, mainly against global threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza. Over the past two years, Mexico has capitalized on extensive experience in using vaccination as a tool for controlling and eradicating outbreaks of avian influenza strains, the director stated. "It is time to achieve international consensus to chart new routes regarding the use of immunization so that it is not a limitation in the trade of poultry products," said Calderón.

"Over 100 years, the veterinary services of 183 countries have enriched a vast network of scientific collaboration centers, currently operating under the One Health approach, which is essential to face upcoming challenges that threaten our health," said Eloit.

One Health is an integrative and unifying approach aimed at balancing and optimizing the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, as explained by the World Health Organization (WHO). The approach gained momentum with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need to establish a global framework for improved surveillance and a more holistic and comprehensive system. According to the World Bank, in 2022, the estimated benefit of One Health for the global community accounted for US$37 billion/y. Additionally, the estimated annual need for prevention spending would be less than 10% of these benefits.