Outcome: WOAH’s Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction

Last week in Geneva, at the Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction, IPC Secretary General Nicolò Cinotti addressed international experts and policymakers on one of today’s most pressing global challenges: protecting livestock and food systems from biological threats.

In his presentation, Nicolò underscored how the livestock sector sits at the intersection of food security, public health, and global trade – and how its vulnerability to biological risks makes coordinated action essential.

Outbreaks such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever have demonstrated the devastating economic and social consequences that animal diseases can unleash: from mass culling and trade disruptions to the erosion of consumer trust.

Drawing from IPC’s global experience, Nicolò presented the poultry industry as a case study for managing biological risks through a One Health approach, recognizing the deep interconnection between animal, human, and environmental health.

The sector has developed practical frameworks that define clear roles and responsibilities across governance levels, foster public–private collaboration, and promote science-based preparedness.

Key pillars include:
✅ Comprehensive risk analysis and strong regulatory processes
✅ Traceability, surveillance, and laboratory testing capacity
✅ Effective biosecurity and vaccination programs
✅ Investment in veterinary infrastructure and workforce development

Collaboration Is the Cornerstone.
A central message of Nicolò’s talk was the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors.
Public–private partnerships have proven crucial for:
➡️ Enhancing information sharing and genomic data exchange
➡️ Accelerating joint R&D on vaccines and diagnostics
➡️ Strengthening emergency preparedness through simulation exercises and shared contingency plans
➡️ Supporting producers’ resilience via insurance mechanisms and emergency funds
➡️ Building Resilience Before the Next Crisis

As Nicolò concluded, “We must prepare during times of peace by building robust frameworks, fostering transparent collaboration, and ensuring swift, coordinated responses when crises occur.”
This call to action reflects IPC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the global poultry sector’s resilience, ensuring that animal health systems remain capable of withstanding both natural and deliberate biological threats.

In a world where biological risks are increasingly complex and interconnected, coordinated efforts between governments, industry, and science are not optional, they are imperative to safeguard food security, public trust, and economic stability.