Societal Impact of Animal Health

Animal health has a broad impact on society: Diseases like rabies that originate in animals also pose serious risks to public health. Veterinary medicines and livestock farming practices have potential environmental consequences. More personally, research shows that living with pets benefits people’s health. From food security to animal welfare and beyond, the health of animals and humans is deeply connected. This understanding drives Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to making a difference for animals, people, and our society across several key areas of impact.

Zoonotic diseases

Around the world, we work on efforts to prevent and control infectious threats that can pass from animals to humans

Environmental effects

Our company-wide commitment to sustainability includes helping reduce the environmental footprint of animal care

Human-animal bond

We celebrate and work to strengthen the special and beneficial connections between people and their animals

Keeping 27 billion livestock disease-free is a big responsibility

Protecting the health of cattle, pigs, chickens, and other livestock worldwide protects food supplies, public health, and economic systems. Dr. Armin Wiesler, Head of our Animal Health Business Unit, offers his perspective on these critical issues.

[Find out more](/content/annualreport/2024/livestock-animal-disease/ "Find out more"/index.html)

World Rabies Day Award winner demonstrates the power of community action

Meet Dr. Sarah Lee Huay Tay, a veterinarian in Malaysia and 2024 winner of the World Rabies Day Award from our partner the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). She’s proof of how grassroots action can protect communities from this deadly disease.

[Read more](/content/about-us/sustainable-development/more-health/ground-driving-rabies-elimination-through-community-action "Read more"/index.html)

Pig vaccines that protect animals and the planet

Preventing diseases in livestock can significantly reduce the impact farming has on the environment. Find out how vaccinating pigs against serious diseases helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[Read more](/content/animal-health/animals-we-support/swine/pig-vaccines-protect-animals-and-planet "Read more"/index.html)

Get the facts about zoonosis

It’s estimated that 6 out of 10 infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans. Some of these diseases have minimal impact, but others, like rabies, are highly fatal. We believe that education and awareness are the first steps in keeping people—and animals—safer from these threats.

[Zoonotic diseases: 3 things you should know](/content/animal-health/our-expertise/societal-impact/zoonotic-diseases-things-you-should-know "Zoonotic diseases things you should know"/index.html)

Zoonotic diseases: 3 things you should know

Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans are more common than you may think – and they are on the rise. Find out how this affects you.

[10 things to know about rabies](/content/animal-health/our-expertise/societal-impact/10-things-you-should-know-about-rabies "10 things you should know about rabies"/index.html)

10 things to know about rabies

Rabies kills thousands of people annually. How do we stop it?

[Read more](/content/animal-health/our-expertise/societal-impact/10-things-you-should-know-about-rabies "Read more"/index.html)

Rabies and wildlife: 5 things you should know

Do you know the role wild animals play in spreading rabies worldwide?

[Read more](/content/animal-health/our-expertise/societal-impact/rabies-wildlife-5-things-know "Read more"/index.html)

Rabies is 100% vaccine-preventable but still kills thousands of people each year around the world. Boehringer’s Stop Rabies is a global initiative to protect humans, animals, and communities from this deadly zoonotic disease through mass dog vaccination programs, community education, and rabies monitoring.

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