Which disease led to the formation of the OIE in 1924?

The formation of the OIE, or the World Organisation for Animal Health, in 1924 was largely a response to the threat posed by rinderpest. Rinderpest is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle and has significant implications for livestock health, agricultural economies, and food security. The widespread devastation caused by rinderpest in the early 20th century highlighted the need for international cooperation in managing animal diseases.

As rinderpest could easily cross borders and impact countries around the world, it became clear that a collaborative approach was essential to tackle such transboundary animal diseases. This led to the establishment of an organization focused on improving animal health worldwide, thereby laying the groundwork for future cooperation on animal and zoonotic diseases. The OIE plays a crucial role in monitoring, reporting, and controlling diseases that affect animals, contributing significantly to global health and food security efforts.