World Organisation for Animal Health

World Organisation for Animal Health
Name	World Organisation for Animal Health
Caption	Official logo
Abbreviation	WOAH
Formation	25 January 1924
Type	Intergovernmental organization
Headquarters	Paris, France
Membership	183 Member Countries
Leader title	Director General
Leader name	Monique Eloit
Website	https://www.woah.org

World Organisation for Animal Health. The World Organisation for Animal Health, historically known as the Office International des Épizooties (OIE), is an intergovernmental organization coordinating global efforts in animal health. Founded in response to a major rinderpest outbreak in Europe, its mandate has expanded to encompass all aspects of animal disease control, veterinary public health, and animal welfare. Recognized as a reference standard-setting body by the World Trade Organization, it plays a critical role in facilitating safe international trade in animals and animal products while promoting transparency in global animal disease status.

History

The organization was established on 25 January 1924 following an international agreement initiated by 28 countries, largely in response to the devastating transboundary spread of rinderpest. The founding was championed by French veterinarian Gaston Ramon and was formalized through an international agreement signed in Paris. Initially focused on controlling epizootic diseases affecting livestock and trade, its early work centered on combating threats like foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever. A pivotal moment in its evolution was its designation in 1998 as the international standard-setting body for animal health and zoonoses by the World Trade Organization under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. In 2003, it formally adopted "World Organisation for Animal Health" as its name while retaining "OIE" as its historical acronym. Its role was further solidified during major global crises, including the H5N1 avian influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the link between animal and human health.

Structure and governance

The supreme authority of the organization is the World Assembly of Delegates, which convenes annually during the World Organisation for Animal Health General Session in Paris. Each of the 183 Member Countries is represented by a delegate, typically the country's Chief Veterinary Officer. Day-to-day operations are managed by a central headquarters in Paris, led by the Director General, currently Monique Eloit, and supported by various administrative and technical departments. Key technical work is conducted by elected Specialist Commissions, such as the Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission and the Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission, and by collaborating centers and reference laboratories worldwide. Regional and sub-regional representations, such as those in Bangkok, Buenos Aires, and Nairobi, facilitate activities tailored to specific geographical challenges.

Objectives and functions

The primary objective is to improve animal health and welfare globally, which in turn safeguards public health and ensures food security. A core function is the establishment of science-based standards for disease prevention, control, and safe trade, compiled in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code and Aquatic Animal Health Code. It operates the World Animal Health Information System, a global early warning system for animal diseases, mandating member countries to report outbreaks of listed diseases like classical swine fever and Newcastle disease. The organization also coordinates global control programs for specific diseases, provides capacity building for national Veterinary Services, and promotes the "One Health" approach, emphasizing collaboration between animal and human health sectors, notably with the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Standards and publications

The organization is renowned for its authoritative, science-driven international standards. The Terrestrial Animal Health Code and the Aquatic Animal Health Code provide guidelines for import/export risk analysis and disease control methods to protect animal and public health. Complementary manuals detail diagnostic techniques and vaccine standards for diseases ranging from rabies to peste des petits ruminants. It publishes the peer-reviewed scientific journal, the *Bulletin*, and the weekly disease alert service, *WAHIS*. Other key publications include annual world animal health reports, situation reports on specific disease events, and guidelines on topics like animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance.

Member countries and regional activities

Membership comprises 183 countries and territories, including all major nations involved in international animal trade. Activities are organized through five regional commissions: Africa, Americas, Asia, Far East and Oceania, Europe, and the Middle East. Each region holds annual conferences to address specific priorities, such as controlling African horse sickness in sub-Saharan Africa or managing lumpy skin disease in Southeast Asia. Regional representations help implement strategies, run training workshops for veterinarians, and support the development of disease-free zones, such as those for foot-and-mouth disease in the Andean Community.

Collaboration with other organizations

The organization maintains essential partnerships within the United Nations system and beyond. It is a founding member of the tripartite alliance with the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization to address zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance under the "One Health" banner. It collaborates closely with the World Trade Organization on trade-related sanitary measures and with the World Bank on economic aspects of disease control. Partnerships also extend to regional bodies like the African Union and professional groups such as the World Veterinary Association, as well as research institutions like the Pirbright Institute and charitable foundations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Category:Intergovernmental organizations Category:Veterinary organizations Category:Organizations established in 1924 Category:Organizations based in Paris