Growing Chronic Disease Crisis Threatens Animal Health Worldwide

Chronic diseases are increasingly afflicting animals globally, impacting both domestic pets and wildlife. A recent study published in the journal Risk Analysis highlights the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancers, diabetes, and obesity among various animal species. This alarming trend poses significant implications for both animal welfare and public health.

Research led by animal scientist Antonia Mataragka from the Agricultural University of Athens reveals a lack of interdisciplinary studies addressing NCDs in animals. The study introduces a conceptual model designed to improve the surveillance and management of these chronic conditions, linking animal health to broader public health concerns.

The investigation found that genetic predispositions significantly contribute to NCD risks. For instance, selectively bred dogs and cats, as well as livestock engineered for productivity, are more prone to conditions such as diabetes and mitral valve disease. The research highlighted that around 50–60% of domestic cats and dogs are currently overweight, which has led to a concerning rise in feline diabetes cases.

Environmental and Socio-Ecological Factors

Beyond genetic factors, environmental influences play a critical role in disease onset and progression. Nutritional imbalances, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress were identified as key contributors to disease in animals across various species. The study documented troubling statistics, including that approximately 20% of intensively reared pigs suffer from osteoarthritis, while wildlife in polluted environments face liver tumor rates ranging from 15–25%.

Human activities such as urbanization, climate change, and habitat destruction have exacerbated these health issues. Warming oceans and coral degradation have been linked to increased tumor rates in marine turtles and fish. Similarly, urbanization and associated heat stress contribute to rising obesity and diabetes rates in companion animals. The implications extend to avian and mammalian species, where urban air pollution and chemical runoff are connected to endocrine and immune disorders.

Mataragka emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges, noting, “As environmental changes accelerate disease emergence, the absence of early diagnostic systems further delays the detection of NCDs in animals.” The study underscores the stark contrast in available data, as organizations like the World Health Organization provide extensive information on NCD mortality in humans, while similar statistics for animals remain scarce.

A New Approach to Animal Health

The research quantifies NCD prevalence across different species and dissects the mechanisms linking various risk factors to disease emergence. It outlines comprehensive mitigation strategies at individual, population, ecosystem, and policy levels. Key drivers identified include climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and dietary imbalances, all of which increase vulnerability to NCDs in companion animals, livestock, and wildlife.

Mataragka’s model integrates the One Health and Ecohealth approaches, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This innovative framework aims to foster integrated surveillance systems that can identify shared drivers of NCDs across species, facilitating early detection and intervention efforts.

The findings of this study highlight an urgent need for increased research and monitoring in veterinary health. By addressing the complexities surrounding NCDs in animals, stakeholders can better understand and mitigate these critical public health challenges, ultimately benefiting both human and animal populations.

For further details, refer to the full study in the journal Risk Analysis, published on November 11, 2025.