World Organization for Animal Health

World Organization for Animal Health

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) is an intergovernmental organization coordinating, supporting, and promoting animal disease control.

History

The OIE was created on 25 January 1924. Its headquarters are located in Paris, France. The organization is responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is recognized as a reference organization by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Mission

The main objective of the OIE is to control epizootic diseases and thus to prevent their spread. It is also responsible for ensuring transparency in the global animal disease situation. The OIE aims to improve the health and welfare of animals worldwide, regardless of the cultural practices, economic circumstances, or political systems of its member countries.

Structure

The OIE consists of a World Assembly of Delegates composed of representatives from 182 member countries. The Assembly is supported by a network of 326 Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres worldwide.

Activities

The OIE develops and promotes standards for diagnosing and controlling animal diseases, including zoonoses, diseases transmissible from animals to humans. It also provides a global information system on the worldwide distribution of animal diseases.

Impact

The OIE plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of animal diseases worldwide, thus protecting food production systems, public health, and economic stability.

See also

• Animal health
• Zoonoses
• World Health Organization
• Food and Agriculture Organization