Document type: document published by World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
Author: WOAH
Preview: Terrestrial livestock farming is an age-old practice - social and cultural heritage, and even a way of life for many communities. It contributes many economic benefits and environmental services and helps feed the growing world population. Aquaculture is a more recent, burgeoning sector that now provides more than half of the world's animal sourced protein. Today, the benefits of both terrestrial and aquatic animal farming face a number of concerns and criticisms about their impact on greenhouse gas emissions, environmental degradation, wildlife populations and biodiversity more broadly, as well as on animal welfare and global health. Farming practices must evolve to address these concerns and to maintain the value of the sector: in this context, animal health and welfare must be seen as key contributors to its sustainability.
