Preventing disease X, why the EU must invest in animal health

This report explores strategies for disease preparedness, prevention, and response, and how the EU can better invest in animal health systems.

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Underwritten Produced with financial support from an organization or individual, yet not approved by the underwriter before or after publication.

Most of the recent pandemics have originated from animal viruses that have a capacity for inter-species transmission. [Getty Images: Catherine Falls Commercial]

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Euractiv's Advocacy Lab Jul 9, 2025 01:18 1 min. read

Underwritten

Produced with financial support from an organization or individual, yet not approved by the underwriter before or after publication.

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“Disease X” refers to an unexpected and unknown outbreak of a contagious or infectious disease. Most of the recent pandemics have originated from animal viruses that have a capacity for inter-species transmission.

Therefore, work should begin with a better understanding of the risks of the emergence of such infectious diseases.

By implementing disease prevention and preparedness programmes, endorsing the use of preventive measures, and ensuring access not just to medical countermeasures, but also antigen banks, we can potentially reduce the risk of interspecies transmission.

This report explores strategies for disease preparedness, prevention, and response and discusses the value of investing in better animal health systems.

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