D E P A R T M E N T O F A G R I C U L T U R E, F I S H E R I E S A N D F O R E S T R Y WORLD ORGANISATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH (OIE) Lyndel Post, Principal Veterinary Officer Office of the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer

World Organisation for Animal Health Organisation mondiale de la santé animale an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1924 by 28 countries created before the U.N. Common name adopted by the International Committee on May 2003

172 Members (Jan 2008) America : 29 – Africa : 51 – Europe: 51 – Middle-East : 13 – Asia: 28

4  ANIMAL HEALTH INFORMATION : to ensure transparency in the global animal disease and zoonosis situation to collect, analyse and disseminate scientific veterinary information to provide expertise and encourage international solidarity in the control of animal diseases to improve the legal framework and resources of national veterinary services The OIE ’ s main objectives

5  INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS within its WTO mandate, to safeguard world trade by publishing health standards for international trade in animals and animal products to provide a better guarantee of the safety of food of animal origin  - and to promote animal welfare, through a science-based approach The OIE ’ s objectives (cont.)

6 The OIE International Committee the highest authority of the OIE comprises all the OIE Delegates meets at least once a year principle of “one country, one vote” elects the members of the governing bodies of the OIE elects the members of the Specialist Commissions appoints the Director General for a 5-year term

7 The Delegate usually the Chief Veterinary Officer of his / her country member of the International Committee (General Session) in permanent contact with the OIE should inform the OIE of the animal disease situation of his country ensures that the legislation in force in his country is based on OIE standards and if necessary, on a scientific risk analysis focal point for the OIE in his / her country

8 International Relationships Institutional cooperation with WHO World Health Organization FAO Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations WTO World Trade Organization CAC Codex Alimentarius Commission IPPC International Plant Protection Convention World Bank CABI CAB International ILRI International Livestock Research Institute

9 International Relationships (cont.) Technical and scientific cooperation with more than 20 regional organisations and international professional associations Regional Organizations: Andean Community AOAD AU-IBAR CEBEVIRHA CPS ECOWAS European Commission IICA OIRSA PVC PAHO SADC

10 International Relationships (cont.) World professional organisations : IMS (International Meat Secretariat) IDF (International Dairy Federation) FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) ICCM (International Committee of Military Medicine) IEC (International Egg Commission) IFAH (International Federation For Animal Health) IFAP (International Federation of Agricultural Producers) IABs ( International Association for Biologicals) WVA (World Veterinary Association) WAVLD (World Association Of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians)

11 OIE's WTO mandate Standards-setting organizations food safety CODEX plant health IPPC animal health OIE Codex = Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission OIE = World Organization for Animal Health IPPC = International Plant Protection Convention (FAO) WTO SPS Agreement recognises the OIE as a reference for international standards (one of the 3 sisters)

12 Four Specialist Technical Commissions Role is to use current scientific information to: study problems of epidemiology and the prevention and control of animal diseases develop and revise OIE’s international standards address scientific and technical issues raised by Member Countries  but not bilateral trade problems which OIE may address through mediation

13 OIE International Standards Terrestrial Animal Health Code – mammals, birds and bees Aquatic Animal Health Code – fish, molluscs and crustaceans Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals

14 Other Commissions 5 Regional Commissions  AFRICA  AMERICAS  ASIA, FAR EAST and OCEANIA  EUROPE  MIDDLE EAST An Administrative Commission  Bureau: 1 President, 2 vice-Presidents, 1 Secretary General

15 Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres 171 Reference Laboratories in 30 countries  covering 93 diseases or topics. Develop diagnostic tests, distribute reference reagents, provide training, and coordinate studies 24 Collaborating Centres in 14 countries  Assist with the elaboration of procedure to harmonise regulations and international standards.

16 The OIE PVS Tool A recent initiative to evaluate the Performance of Veterinary Services, particularly in developing countries, and support them to meet the OIE standards  Recognises the OIE concept that veterinary services are a global public good, and should be based on science principles and immune from political pressure  Promotes awareness and continued improvement underpinned by resources and a legal framework

17 Available on the OIE website ganisation/en_vet_eval_t ool.htm?e1d2 The PVS Tool

18 On the OIE Web Site… Early warnings Weekly disease information International Standards (Codes, Manuals, etc.) Scientific and Technical Reviews (contents and abstracts) Scientific and general information on OIE activities Animal diseases and zoonoses Editorials from the Director General

D E P A R T M E N T O F A G R I C U L T U R E, F I S H E R I E S A N D F O R E S T R Y In Conclusion Active participation in OIE allows Australia to influence the standards and to have early warning of proposed changes. This, combined with ongoing stakeholder consultation, facilitates smooth and efficient implementation of the standards as they are adopted by the International Committee. Our animal health status and export market access are protected as a result.

20 World organisation for animal health Organisation mondiale de la santé animale 12 rue de prony Paris, France Tel: 33 (0) – Fax: 33 (0)