The influence of the Organisation for Animal Health on animal welfare and health

By Laura Nobel

Bernard Vallat, Director-General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), spoken to the European Commission: Committee of Agriculture and Rural Development in Brussels on the first of December. The mandate standards for animal health in different countries and the activities of the OIE were topics discussed during the committee. The organisation was created in 1994 and works independently of the United Nations (UN) network. In 2003 it expanded outside its headquarters in Paris to a global organisation, with 13 regional offices throughout the world. The organisation is placed under the authority and control of a World Assembly of Delegates consisting of Delegates designated by the Governments of all Member Countries.

With a world more and more aware of animal welfare, the need for improvement in all animal sectors (livestock, pets, test animals and wildlife) becomes a more relevant topic of discussion in the public and governments. The OIE is an important asset of the EU’s animal welfare policy as well as policies in third countries. Animal welfare is also tied with animal health, which in turn is tied to human health.

Animal diseases are huge economic and ethnical risks within the livestock sector. Antibiotics, vaccinations and alternative medicine are topics often brought to the table among farmers and higher ups, because the health of one’s farm animals can influence not only the farmer’s income, but also the public’s health. Mr. Vallat stated that around 60 % of human diseases actually origin from diseases found in animals. Their concept of “One Health” is the unification of vets and doctors for closer communication regarding zoonoses (animal diseases that affect human health). This will benefit both parties and allow for faster intervention.

The OIE works on disease control methods through standards and guidelines. These standards are created for disease control management, vaccination cycles, safe trade in animals & animal products and transport. The organisation is not a governmental institution that can enforce laws, but many countries do follow the words of the OIE to prevent outbreaks of diseases. The EU in particular takes its standards and guidelines very seriously. As a result, the EU is one of the leading states in the prevention of animal disease outbreaks as well as one of the major donors to the OIE for improvement of animal welfare and animal health in third countries.

The OIE also works in a lot of underdeveloped countries, providing quality training for vets, educating government bodies on animal welfare and health, evaluating one’s country’s policies with trained experts as well as provide financial support.

The OIE is a very important organisation for disease prevention throughout the EU and various parts beside that. The EU has a similar vision as OIE, which is the eradication of dangerous diseases in countries and protect animal and human health.

For more information about the Organisation for Animal Health, visit their website: www.oie.int