July 24 2006

This press release announces the launch of a global early warning system for animal diseases transmissible to humans (zoonoses) by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Global Early Warning and Response System (GLEWS) builds on the added value of combining and coordinating the tracking, verification and alert mechanisms of OIE, FAO and WHO.

This press release indicates that the information gathered through the tracking and verification channels of each organisation will be shared using the GLEWS web-based electronic platform and jointly analysed to decide whether to issue common early warning messages. These alert messages will describe the possible implications of disease spread among animals at national, regional and international level and its potential public health impact. If there is a clear indication that a joint on-site assessment or intervention is required, the response mechanisms of the three organisations will be activated together.