Paris, France – The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) met with Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director-General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in Paris on 25 February, together with partners from the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA), to engage on the role of animal nutrition in supporting animal health, sustainable livestock systems, and the One Health agenda.
During the meeting, participants highlighted the role of adequate animal nutrition as a key pillar in the area of prevention to support animal health and welfare. Adequate animal nutrition supports immune resilience, gut health, and disease resistance across livestock contributing to healthier animals and more resilient production systems.
“The meeting with Dr. Soubeyran and her team was an important opportunity to highlight the essential role of feed and animal nutrition in supporting animal health,” said Constance Cullman, Chair of IFIF. “Science-based animal nutrition supports healthier animals, strengthens resilience to disease, and contributes to sustainable livestock systems. The feed sector stands ready to support WOAH’s mission by contributing scientific expertise and practical experience.”
IFIF reaffirmed its commitment to continued scientific cooperation and emphasized that adequate animal nutrition is fundamental to animal health, welfare, and productivity. IFIF also highlighted the contribution of science-based feed safety and nutrition systems in strengthening biosecurity, supporting antimicrobial stewardship, and enabling safe trade.
IFIF also shared its work on sustainable animal nutrition and feed system analysis, including a dynamic systems map of the global feed sector designed to explore how feed systems respond to challenges such as disease outbreaks and supply disruptions.
IFIF looks forward to continuing constructive engagement with WOAH, including at the WOAH Annual General Session and Animal Health Forum in May 2026 focusing on “Investing in Animal Health to Secure Everyone’s Future.”
Since 2012, IFIF and WOAH have worked together under a Cooperation Agreement, providing a framework for dialogue and collaboration on feed safety, animal nutrition, biosecurity, and related topics. This cooperation reflects the recognition that feed is an integral component of animal health systems and that prevention begins upstream in the production chain.
About IFIF
The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) is made up of national and regional feed associations, feed related organizations, and corporate members from around the globe, representing over 80% of the feed production worldwide. IFIF provides provide a unified voice and leadership to represent and promote the global feed industry as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population. For more information on IFIF please visit www.ifif.org or contact Alexandra de Athayde, Executive Director, at info@ifif.org.
ENDS / Issued by: IFIF
Latest News