On Sunday, the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS took action in front of the World Health Summit in Hamburg/Berlin to raise awareness about the link between poor animal husbandry and infectious diseases. Antibiotic resistance and zoonotic diseases such as bird flu and monkeypox are often the result of intensive agricultural animal farming and the increasing destruction of natural habitats. This brings animals, humans, and potential pathogens into closer contact.
The foundation’s action highlighted that the next pandemic can only be prevented through animal welfare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 75% of all emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 or bird flu, have zoonotic origins, meaning they come from animals. Therefore, the concept of the integrative One Health approach, which considers the health of humans, animals, and the environment as closely interconnected, is crucial. FOUR PAWS advocates globally for the protection of animals and their habitats to be firmly embedded in global health strategies.
The organization actively participates in the negotiations for the international pandemic agreement currently being developed by WHO member states. Only through a strong implementation of One Health can the pandemic agreement become a significant milestone in fighting pandemics at their source. FOUR PAWS now calls for swift conclusion of the negotiations and the establishment of effective implementation mechanisms, requiring both international unity and inter-ministerial cooperation.
Josef Pfabigan, founding member of FOUR PAWS and member of the foundation’s board, presented a list of demands and a thank you note to WHS President Prof. Dr. Axel Pries. The World Health Summit recognizes the importance of the One Health approach for pandemic prevention and has included the topic on its agenda. FOUR PAWS hopes that the issue will receive even more attention in the future and offers its expertise to the WHS.
Through their action in front of the conference hotel, FOUR PAWS raised awareness among Summit attendees and decision-makers from politics, science, and business about the recognition and containment of the wildlife trade, fur farming, and industrial animal farming as central factors for zoonoses and pandemics. The goal is to firmly establish animal welfare as a preventive measure in global health policy to prevent future pandemics and health threats.
FOUR PAWS is a global animal welfare organization that exposes suffering, rescues animals in need, and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organization advocates for a world where people treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. Their sustainable campaigns and projects focus on pets like stray dogs and cats, livestock, and wildlife – such as bears, big cats, and orangutans – in inappropriate conditions and in disaster and conflict areas. With offices and rescue centers in multiple countries, FOUR PAWS provides immediate assistance and long-term solutions.
For more information about FOUR PAWS’ work, visit their website at www.vier-pfoten.de.
