Urgent Study Reveals Rise of Chronic Diseases in Animals

The escalating crisis of chronic diseases among animals worldwide has reached alarming levels, with conditions such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and degenerative joint disease becoming more prevalent. A recent study published on November 11, 2025, by the Society for Risk Analysis highlights the urgent need for improved understanding and management of these non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which pose risks to both animal and human health.

A groundbreaking conceptual model developed by animal scientist Antonia Mataragka of the Agricultural University of Athens aims to enhance surveillance and management strategies for chronic diseases affecting various species, from household pets to livestock and wildlife. This model is particularly significant as it draws connections between the health issues faced by animals and those experienced by humans, addressing a critical gap in interdisciplinary research.

The study employs data from numerous published sources to identify key factors driving the increase in NCDs among animals. It reveals that genetic predispositions play a crucial role, especially in animals selectively bred for specific traits. For instance, dogs and cats bred for appearance, as well as livestock engineered for productivity, show higher rates of diabetes and heart diseases.

Environmental factors also significantly contribute to the onset and progression of diseases. Nutritional imbalances, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress are prevalent across species. Alarmingly, surveys indicate that between 50% and 60% of domestic cats and dogs are overweight, contributing to a rise in feline diabetes. Additionally, 20% of intensively reared pigs suffer from osteoarthritis, while wildlife exposed to polluted areas face high rates of liver tumors, with statistics showing tumor prevalence between 15% and 25%.

Recent findings underscore the role of human-driven ecological changes, such as urbanization and climate disruptions, which intensify harmful exposures. For example, increasing ocean temperatures and coral degradation have been linked to a rise in tumors among marine turtles and fish. Urban heat stress and air pollution further exacerbate obesity and diabetes rates among companion animals, while chemical runoff is associated with endocrine disorders in various species.

“As environmental changes accelerate disease emergence, the absence of early diagnostic systems further delays the detection of NCDs in animals,” states Mataragka. She emphasizes the disparity in available data, noting that while the World Health Organization provides extensive statistics on NCD mortality in humans, comparable data for animals remains scarce. This gap highlights the pressing need for enhanced research and veterinary health surveillance.

Mataragka’s study quantifies the prevalence of NCDs across different species and delineates the mechanisms linking risk factors to disease emergence. It outlines mitigation strategies at four critical levels: individual, population (herd), ecosystem, and policy. Key findings suggest that climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and dietary imbalances significantly increase the vulnerability of companion animals, livestock, and wildlife to these chronic conditions.

The conceptual model proposed by Mataragka integrates the One Health and Ecohealth approaches, which recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By illustrating how NCDs arise from the interplay of genetic susceptibility and broader socio-ecological forces, the model aims to facilitate integrated surveillance of animals, humans, and ecosystems. This approach is intended to reveal shared drivers of NCDs and provide early warnings for intervention.

In conclusion, the study calls for a more comprehensive understanding of chronic diseases in animals, urging the scientific community to prioritize research that addresses these critical health issues. The insights gained from this research may not only help mitigate the impact of NCDs on animal populations but also contribute significantly to human public health initiatives.