Linkages between animal and human health: The international legal framework

A substantial proportion of emerging infectious diseases that threaten human health are zoonoses that have crossed the species barrier to infect human beings. Therefore, in order to adequately protect the health of human populations, it is essential to have not only effective surveillance and control mechanisms in place for animal disease, but also timely and efficient coordination and information sharing between the authorities responsible for animal and human health. At the international level, two separate organizations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and World Health Organization (WHO) are responsible for animal and human health, respectively, and several other organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Trade Organization (WTO), also undertake relevant activities. This paper will examine the relationships between these organizations and the relevant international agreements, to determine the extent to which the existing legal framework is adequate to protect human and animal health and accounts for the links between them. It will also consider the implications of the international legal framework for national authorities responsible for the protection of animal and human health.