WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/SPS/GEN/1120 
13 October 2011 
 (11-5031) 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:   English/ 
 French/  Spanish 
 
  
52
ND MEETING OF THE SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY (SPS) COMMITTEE 
 
Update from the World Health Organization (OIE) 
 
 
 The following communication, received on 12 Octo ber 2011, is being circulated at the request 
of the OIE. 
 
_______________ 
 
 1. The OIE is pleased to provide this update  to the 52nd meeting of the SPS Committee. 
2. The report summarises key developments in th e OIE standard-setting work programme, with 
a focus on the September 2011 meeting of the OIE Te rrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission 
(Code Commission). 
3. More detailed information may be obt ained from the OIE (s.kahn@oie.int). 
1. Official Recognition of Disease Free Status of Member Countries 
4. In the era of global freedom from rinderpest, the OIE is evaluating the scope to establish 
procedures for the official recognition of OIE me mbers' freedom from other diseases of significance 
to international trade. Candidate diseases include African horse sickness, classical swine fever and 
peste de petits ruminants.  
2. OIE Standard-Setting Procedures 
5. Since the General Session in May 2011, the OIE has taken steps to update its standard-setting 
procedures.  A new document on the standard-setti ng procedures has been placed on the OIE website 
and may be found at Annex 1.   (Also see:  http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/ 
Internationa_Standard_Setting/docs/pdf /A_OIE_procedures_stand___recom_2011.pdf). 
6. A number of important modifications to the OI E Basic Texts will be proposed for adoption at 
the General Session 2012, dealing, inter alia, w ith the membership of elected commissions, 
declarations of confidentiality, avoidance of conflic t of interest, and the arrangements for the approval 
of OIE Reference Centres. 
3. Diseases of Bees 
7. Noting the importance of bees to agriculture pr oduction and some important threats to bee 
health globally, the OIE is revising the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Terrestrial Code)  chapters on 
bee diseases as a matter of priority.  G/SPS/GEN/1120 
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  4. Guidelines on Risk Assessment for Invasiveness of Animals 
8. During the past few years, discussions have taken place between the secretariats of the OIE 
and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), re garding "gaps in the coverage by international 
standards of risks associated with animals that may be invasive". 
9. At its meeting in November 2011, the CBD's S ubsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and 
Technological Advice (SBSTTA) will consider a recommendation: 
"… encourag(ing) the World Trade Organiza tion, its standard-setting organizations 
and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to further address the 
risks associated with the introduction of alien species as pets, as live (fishing) bait and live food". 
10. Noting that the OIE has the necessary internationa l scientific expertise to provide guidance on 
scientific risk assessment pertaining to animals, and that at least one OIE Member had published an 
assessment in which the OIE methodology had been applied to an invasive species, the OIE has 
undertaken, in collaboration with the CBD Secretaria t, to consider the development of guidelines on 
risk assessment for invasive animal species. 
5. OIE Capacity-Building:  PVS Pathway 
11. As part of its global initiative to help stre ngthen the veterinary services (VS) and aquatic 
animal health services (AAHS) of members, th e OIE is continuing to publish standards and 
recommendations on key elements of good governance.  The OIE notes the pressing need for developing countries to modernise their veterinary le gislation and considers that an OIE standard on 
this topic is needed to support them in this e ndeavour.  Accordingly, the Code Commission will 
propose for adoption in 2012 a new standard on the topic of veterinary legislation, which is a critically 
important part of the infrastructure of VS and AAHS. 
12. In another important development, later this year the OIE will publish its final 
recommendations on the Core Competencies of day 1 Graduate Veterinarians. 
13. Finally, following the successful OIE Globa l Conference on Aquatic Animal Health 
Programmes – their benefits for global food security  (Panama, 28–30 June 2011), the OIE has been 
pleased to receive several requests for evaluations of AAHS using the modified OIE PVS Tool, and is gradually working through these evaluations.  Also  arising from the conference recommendations, the 
OIE will address the issue of competence and educati on of aquatic animal professionals.  The Panama 
conference recommendations may be viewed at http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/ Conferences_Events/docs/pdf/recommendations/A_Declaration.pdf. 
14. A summary of progress on PVS Pathway eval uations may be found at Annex 2. 
6. Future Development of the Terrestrial Code to Address Wildlife Species 
15. Noting the important role of wildlife in relati on to healthy ecosystems, and the interaction 
between diseases of livestock, wild animals and hu mans (the "One Health" approach), the Code 
Commission advised on the proposed future development of the Terrestrial Code  to address these 
issues and sought Member comments on the proposed approach.  G/SPS/GEN/1120 
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  7. Trade in Animal Products ("Safe Commodities") 
16. Considering the need to continue developing th e concept of "safe commodities" to facilitate 
international trade without necessarily requiring th at countries eradicate listed diseases, and noting 
that the concept of "safe commodities", as applied by  the OIE is not well understood and applied, the 
Code Commission proposed to develop a new chapter on this issue.  It is anticipated that a new 
standard could be adopted at the General Session in May 2013. 
8. Joint Approach to Standards by the OIE and the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
17. The Code Commission commended the increasingl y close collaboration between the OIE and 
the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) on standard s relating to food safety hazards arising at the 
"on-farm" phase of food production.  Recent examples of such work include standards on salmonella 
species and zoonotic parasites.  A joint approach by OIE and CAC to standard-setting on some key 
topics is strongly recommended with the objective of  ensuring appropriate harmonisation of standards 
and recommendations while avoiding duplication of effo rt, overlap and gaps in standard-setting work.  
The Commission saw a need for collaboration bo th at the work-planning stage and during the 
technical assessment. 
9. Risk Assessment – Modification of Terminology 
18. The Commission proposed to modify the Terrestrial Code , based on the internationally 
accepted practice of referring to an "entry assessment" rather than a "release assessment" and to harmonise with the terminology used in the OIE Handbook on Import Risk Analysis .  The proposed 
modifications do not change the obligations of Members in the context of the SPS Agreement. 
10. Discussion Paper on the Provisions of the Quran for Protecting Animals against Cruelty 
19. Noting that public concern about inhumane treat ment of animals has the potential to cause 
serious disruption to international trade, the OIE has developed a discussion pa per to raise awareness 
of the provisions of the Quran for protecting animal s against cruelty at the time of slaughter.  This 
paper concludes that there is no conflict between  OIE standards for humane slaughter and the 
teachings of the Quran.  The paper was well received by delegates at the OIE Regional Conference for 
the Middle East, held in Beirut, Lebanon 3-6 October 2011. 
_______________ 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/1120 
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  ANNEX 1:  THE OIE STANDARD-SETTING PROCEDURES 
 
PROCEDURES USED BY THE OIE TO SET STANDARDS AND 
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE, 
 WITH A FOCUS ON THE TERRESTRIAL  AND  
AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH CODES 
  
1. Introduction 
This paper provides an overview of the procedures used by the OIE to set standards and 
recommendations for international trade, with a focus on the Terrestrial  and Aquatic Animal Health 
Codes  (the Codes ).  The texts in these publications are developed and revised using an established 
procedure.  There is only one pathway for adopti on of OIE standards, i.e. approval by the World 
Assembly of Delegates (World Assembly) m eeting annually at the OIE General Session. 
 
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on th e Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures recognises the OIE standards as fundamental  references for animal health and zoonotic 
diseases.  Application and use of the standards by WTO Members is important to facilitate safe 
international trade in animals and their products.  The OIE procedures provide a basis for rapidity, flex ibility, scientific rigour and transparency in the 
setting of standards. Important features of the sta ndard-setting procedures are outlined in this paper. 
 
Contact:  trade.dept@oie.int 
 
2. OIE standards and recommendati ons for international trade 
2.1. The OIE publications 
 
The publications that are commonly referred to , collectively, as the OIE standards are: 
 
 the Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Terrestrial  Code ) 
 the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals  (the Terrestrial  
Manual ) 
 the Aquatic Animal Health Code  (the Aquatic Code ) 
 the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals  (the Aquatic Manual ). 
 
2.2. International trade in animals and their products 
The Terrestrial Code  and the Aquatic Code  contain science-based recommendations for disease 
reporting, prevention and control and for assuring saf e international trade in terrestrial animals 
(mammals, birds and bees) and aquatic animals (amp hibians, fish, crustaceans and molluscs) and their 
products.  The Codes  detail the sanitary measures for animal  diseases, including zoonoses, which 
should be used by the Veterinary Services a nd other Competent Authorities of importing and 
exporting countries.  Correctly applied, these m easures prevent the introduction and spread, via 
animals and their products, of agents that are pathogenic for animals and/or humans. 
 
2.3. Diagnostic tools and vaccines 
The Terrestrial Manual  and the Aquatic Manual  contain OIE international standards on quality 
management in testing laboratories, principles of validation and quality control of diagnostic assays, 
and diagnostic testing methods for specific dise ases including official tests listed in the Terrestrial   G/SPS/GEN/1120 
 Page 5 
 
 
  and Aquatic  Codes . The Terrestrial Manual also provides generic and specific guidance on vaccine 
quality.  In addition to the Manual , the OIE publishes a list of a pproved Standard Sera (reagents) 
produced by OIE Reference Laboratories, validat es and certifies commercially-available diagnostic 
assays, and publishes a list of the tests certified "fit for purpose" in the OIE Register of Diagnostic Tests. Assessment of diagnostic tools for terrestrial  animals is carried out under the auspices of the 
OIE Biological Standards Commission (Laboratories Commission).  For aquatic animals, assessment 
of diagnostic tools is the responsibility of the A quatic Animal Health Standards Commission (Aquatic 
Animals Commission).  
2.4. Official disease status of OIE Member Countries 
The OIE recognises the official disease status of  Member Countries for foot and mouth disease, 
bovine spongiform encephalopathy and contagi ous bovine pleuropneumonia.  The currently 
recognised official disease status for the speci fied diseases is published on the OIE website at: 
http://www.oie.int/en/animal-health-in- the-world/official-disease-status/.  
 
3. Procedures for the elaboration of the OIE Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Codes  
3.1. General considerations 
The procedures for developing and updating the Terrestrial  Code  and the Aquatic  Code  are flexible, 
transparent and rapid. Importantly, they provide a basis for continuous improvement to standards as 
new scientific information comes to light, and for "fast track" adoption of new standards when 
Member Countries need to address important new ri sks to human and animal health on an urgent 
basis.  
Each one of the 178 OIE Member Countries has an equal voice in the development and adoption of 
standards and each Member Country has a responsibilit y to engage with the OIE in this important 
work.  Specialist Commissions play a central role in the OIE standard-setting procedures.  They comprise six 
members (normally), elected by the World Assembly for a three year mandate, in compliance with the 
terms of reference established in the OIE Organic Texts, which provide for scientific excellence and 
geographic balance.  Recommendations on new standards and on significant revisions of existing standards are developed 
by small groups of independent experts ( ad hoc  Groups), which report to a Specialist Commission.  
Reporting may be direct to the Specialist Commiss ion or, depending on the topic, via a permanent 
OIE Working Group, which in turn reports to Sp ecialist Commissions.  Membership of Working 
Groups is proposed by the Director General and is  endorsed by the World Assembly. All draft texts 
are reviewed by the relevant Specialist Commi ssion, then provided to OIE Member Countries for 
comment.  All comments submitted by Member Countries are reviewed by the Specialist 
Commissions, who may deal with comments directly or may send them to the ad hoc  Group and/or 
Working Group for consideration and a dvice, as appropriate. The reports of ad hoc  Groups submitted 
to Specialist Commissions, as we ll as the Commission´s review of Member Country comments are 
documented in the meeting report of the Specialist Commission, which is sent to Member Countries 
after each meeting and is also placed on the OIE website. In March of each year, as part of the 
meeting report of the Specialist Commissions that  have met by February, all texts proposed for 
adoption at the General Session (held in May) are sent to Member Countries for consideration prior to 
presentation to the World Assembly in May for adop tion.  Twice yearly, following distribution of 
Specialist Commission reports, OIE Member Count ries have the opportunity (normally during a 60 
day period) to submit written comments. Although th ere is no provision for written comments to be G/SPS/GEN/1120 
Page 6  
 
  presented to the General Session, there is opportuni ty to make oral statements and to request 
clarification of texts before adoption.  The normal cycle for the adoption of new texts in the Codes  is two years, meaning that the 
development of a new text is the subject of cons ultation with OIE Member Countries on two to four 
occasions during that period. In the case of emergenc y situations warranting a more rapid procedure, 
standards may be developed within a shorter period.   Less significant modifications to existing texts 
may also be undertaken in a one year period,  if Member Countries agree to the proposed 
modifications.  
There is only one pathway for the adoption of OIE standards, i.e. approval by the World Assembly, 
meeting annually at the OIE General Session. Revisions to the Codes  are adopted via resolutions.  In 
almost all cases, standards are adopted by consensu s.  In a small minority of cases, where it is not 
possible to achieve consensus, sta ndards have been adopted after a vote. Voting is normally done by a 
show of hands and a two-thirds majority is sufficien t for the adoption of a standard.  More than half 
the Delegates representing Member Countries must be present in order to have a quorum for the 
adoption of standards.  Each OIE Member Country has an equal voice in the adoption of standards. Pa rtner organisations may 
attend technical sessions of the General Session in an observer capacity but they do not have the right to participate in the adoption of standards. Discussion and decisions of the World Assembly on the 
adoption of standards are recorded in a report presented for adoption at the end of the General 
Session.  This report is provided to Delegates a nd is placed on the OIE website accessible to the 
public.  Additional information on the OIE Organic Rules, General Rules, structure and organisation may be 
found on the OIE website at http://www.oie.int/about-us/key-texts/basic-texts/.  
 
Detailed information on the work of the Specia list Commissions and Working Groups may be found 
on the OIE website at http://www.oie.int/en/internationa l-standard-setting/overview/.  
 
3.2. The work programme for setting standards 
 
Requests for the development of a new standard or the revision of an existing standard come to the 
OIE from various sources. Proposals from OIE Delegat es are given highest priority, particularly if 
several OIE Member Countries support the request. Proposals from international and regional organisations that have official ag reements with the OIE are also gi ven priority.  Requests from other 
organisations, be they scientific, industry or non-governmental organisations (NGO), are also 
considered but generally as a lower priority.  A Specialist Commission may propose new work to be 
undertaken by itself or by another Specialist Commission.  Proposals for developing new or revised standards are identified in the work programm es of the Specialist Commissions and permanent 
working groups, which are submitted to OIE Dele gates for information annually at the General 
Session. 
 
The OIE Strategic Plan sets out the priorities, strategies and overall direction of the OIE´s work 
programme, including for standard setting. It is developed under the direct supervision of the 
Director-General in consultation with the OIE Counc il (the Board) and submitted by him to the World 
Assembly for approval once every five years.  The current OIE Strategic Plan (2011–2016) was 
adopted in May 2010. 
 The five Regional Commissions (Asia, Far East and Oceania; Americas; Europe; Africa and Middle-East) provide important input to the strategic pl anning process and to identifying priorities for 
standard setting.  The Recommendations adopted by  Regional Commissions, and those voted at OIE  G/SPS/GEN/1120 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Global Conferences, often identify a need for the OI E to develop standards re levant to matters of 
strategic importance.  These recommendations are presented to the World Assembly for endorsement 
at each General Session.  The work programmes of the Specialist Commissions  are established within the overall framework of 
the OIE Strategic Plan. Proposals received by  these Commissions are evaluated in terms of: 
 
(i) the likely extent of Members' support, as evidenced from comments relevant to the 
request;  and 
 
(ii) the availability of scientific info rmation needed to develop a standard. 
 
In the case of the Terrestrial Animal Health St andards Commission (Code Commission), the opinions 
of the Scientific Commission on Animal Diseas es (Scientific Commission) and the Laboratories 
Commission are critical in determining whether there is sufficient scientific information to support the 
development of a new or revised standard. In e ffect, the absence of key information, notably on 
disease aetiology or diagnostic methods, prevents the development of a new standard.  The Code 
Commission and the Scientific Commission regularly  hold a one-day joint meeting to discuss matters 
of common interest and harmonise work pr ogrammes on the development of standards. 
Communications between Specialist Commissions are documented in their meeting reports.  
 
The reports of the Code and Aquatic Animals Co mmissions, along with their work programmes, are 
adopted annually by the World Assembly.  In the period between General Se ssions, opportunities are 
also provided for comment.  
3.3. Role of OIE headquarters  
 
OIE headquarters staff are res ponsible to ensure that the Terrestrial  and Aquatic Codes  are kept up to 
date on an ongoing basis.  Non-significant revisions, including modifications to ensure consistency of 
chapters within the Codes , and harmonisation between the Aquatic  Code  and the Terrestrial  Code  are 
undertaken by the OIE International Trade Department  in liaison with the responsible Commission.  
When a proposal is made to develop a new standard or to significantly revise an existing standard, the 
Director General of the OIE decides how the work will be managed, with reference to the terms of 
reference of the four OIE Specialist Commissions  and the human resources at OIE headquarters. 
 The Director General of the OIE decides th e terms of reference and membership of ad hoc  Groups 
convened to prepare draft texts on specific topics. In taking this decision, he takes into account any 
opinions of relevant Specialist Commissions and th e comments of OIE Members as appropriate.  OIE 
Member Countries are informed of these matters at the annual General Session. Ad hoc  Groups may 
address specific diseases or ´horizontal issues´ (rel ating to diseases in general; or to cross cutting 
themes).  When convening Working Groups (of wh ich the membership is endorsed by the World 
Assembly) and ad hoc  Groups, the Director General seeks experts with internationally recognised 
knowledge of the topic and to obtain the broadest regional representation.  As a priority he draws 
upon the experts within the global network of more than 250 OIE Reference Centres worldwide. 
 The Director General may request that a "supporting document" be drafted by an expert, usually an 
official from an OIE Reference Centre.  Suppo rting documents contain the latest scientific 
information relevant to the topic, e.g. relating to infective period, host distribution, transmission 
mechanisms, diagnostic methods, treatment and control.  They are a valuable resource for ad hoc  
Groups and Working Groups and key scientific references for OIE Member Countries.  The Director General forwards th e reports of Working Groups and ad hoc  Groups to relevant 
Specialist Commissions for further consideration. G/SPS/GEN/1120 
Page 8  
 
  Each ad hoc Group, Working Group and Specialist Commission receives logistic and secretariat 
support from staff at OIE headquarters.  To facilitate  consistency in the drafting of texts intended for 
adoption in the Codes  and Manuals , Groups may consult a guidance document prepared by OIE 
headquarters.  All experts and members of ad hoc Groups, Working Groups and Specialist 
Commissions must sign a declaration attesting to confidentiality and to the absence of conflict of 
interest. 
 According to the OIE Staff Regulations approved by  the World Assembly, all headquarters staff are 
obliged to be impartial and to respect the conf identiality of information provided by Members. 
 3.4. Role of OIE Specialist Commissions 
 
 The Terrestrial Animal Health Standa rds Commission is responsible for the Terrestrial 
Animal Health Code . 
 The Aquatic Animal Health Standard s Commission is responsible for the Aquatic Animal 
Health Code  and the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals . 
 The Scientific Commission for Animal Disea ses is responsible for drafting texts for 
eventual inclusion in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code  and for the recognition of 
Member Countries´ official disease status. 
 The Biological Standards Commission is responsible for the Manual of Diagnostic Tests 
and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals  and for the approval of standard sera and the 
certification of diagnostic assays. 
Specialist Commissions play a key role in the OIE standard-setting procedures.  Commissions 
normally have six members, who are elected by the World Assembly on the basis of excellence and 
geographical balance.  Regional Commissions propos e candidates and the World Assembly elects the 
members of Specialist Commissions for a three year term.  The general functioning of Specialist Commissions is described in the OIE Basic Texts (" http://www.oie.int/about-us/key-texts/basic-
texts/specialist-commissions/ ") and is not, therefore, described in detail in this paper.  However, some 
aspects that are relevant to standard setting are described below. 
 
The Specialist Commissions meet twice each year.  At their bi-annual meetings, the Specialist 
Commissions examine submissions made by OIE Member Countries and submissions from other 
sources, and the reports of relevant Working Groups and ad hoc  Groups that have held meetings in 
the preceding semester.  The Code Commission al so considers submissions from the Scientific 
Commission on draft texts for possible inclusion in the Terrestrial Code .  The two Commissions 
responsible for the Codes  regularly consult on the harmonisation of horizontal aspects. 
 The Commissions determine how to incorporate sci entific recommendations into the new or revised 
standard.  While submissions from OIE Member C ountries and OIE Reference Centres are of greatest 
importance, Commissions also consider scientific information from other sources, including OIE partner organisations and both private sector and no n-governmental organisations, in order to ensure 
that the proposed standards are based on compre hensive and up-to-date scientific information. 
 Each Specialist Commission compiles a meeting report that includes, as annexed documents, the reports of all Working Groups and ad hoc  Groups considered by the Commission.  The meeting report 
also explains how the various submissions we re addressed.  OIE Member Countries and others 
submitting comments are encouraged to provide a scien tific rationale for their comments, to facilitate 
analysis by Specialist Commissions.   G/SPS/GEN/1120 
 Page 9 
 
 
  On a twice yearly basis, OIE Member Countries ar e invited to comment on the recommendations in 
the reports of Specialist Commissions. Organisations with which the OIE has formal agreements may 
also be invited to provide advice, depend ing on the relevant areas of expertise. 
 Thus, the "two-year standard-setting cycle" may afford as many as four opportunities for comment.  
All Commission reports, in English, French and Spanish, are placed on the OIE website:  (see 
http://www.oie.int/international-standard -setting/specialists-commissions-groups/ ). 
 
In reviewing draft new or revised standards in the Terrestrial  and Aquatic Codes , the relevant 
Commissions consider the extent to which OI E Member Countries support the recommendations and 
the rationale provided, particularly in the case of cr iticisms of a draft text.  If, after at least two rounds 
of comment, there is widespread support for the proposed new or revised standard, the relevant 
Commissions may decide to submit the chapter for adoption at the following OIE General Session.  If, 
however, significant concern is expressed or if Me mber Country comments suggest a need for further 
technical work, the relevant Commissions may re-e xamine the issue. If scientific or technical 
questions outside its expertise are raised, the Co mmissions will normally ask the Working Group or 
the relevant ad hoc Group to re-examine the issues and pr ovide advice to the the relevant 
Commissions.  Another round of c onsultation with OIE Member Countries will then be undertaken. 
 In reviewing draft new or revised standards in the Terrestrial  and Aquatic  Manuals , the Laboratories 
Commission and the Aquatic Animals Commission rely on the preparatory work done by one or more 
OIE Experts or an ad hoc  Group.  When Commissions consider that after one round of comments a 
draft standard is ready for adoption, they submit th e draft standard to the World Assembly.  Thus, OIE 
Member Countries have the opportunity to comment on at least two occasions before final adoption.  
As of September 2011, the structure and organisation of the OIE Manuals  was under review. 
 3.5. Role of OIE Working Groups 
 
The OIE currently has three ´per manent´ Working Groups, which ar e responsible for the general 
management and oversight of the OIE work  programme in three thematic areas: 
 The Animal Welfare Working Group reports to the Code or Aquatic Animals Commissions, as 
relevant to the topic. 
 The Animal Production Food Safety Working Group reports to the Code or Aquatic Animals 
Commissions, as relevant to the topic.  
The Working Group on Wildlife Diseases re ports to the Scientific Commission. 
 OIE Working Groups play an important role in setti ng standards in the three thematic areas.  The 
work programme of each Working Group is presented to the relevant Specialist Commission and, via 
the report of the Commissions, to the World A ssembly for information and comment annually. 
 
To assist in addressing new themes and signifi cant developments, Working Groups may take 
responsibility for drafting discussion papers and st rategy papers to establish key principles and 
directions for the OIE to follow in standard se tting.  In all cases, these papers, along with the 
recommendations of Specialist Commissions, are provi ded to OIE Member Countries for information 
and comment.  Once endorsed, Working Group papers can provide a framework and key principles 
for OIE standard setting. 
 Members of Specialist Commissions may participat e in Working Groups as observers to facilitate 
communication between these Working Groups and the relevant Commission.  However, a member of 
a Specialist Commission may not chair a Working Group. G/SPS/GEN/1120 
Page 10  
 
   
In addition to being circulated with the reports  of Specialist Commissions, Working Group reports, 
after approval by the relevant Commission, are put  on dedicated pages on the OIE website along with 
other information relevant to the theme (e.g." http://www.oie.int/animal-welfare/animal-welfare-key-
themes/ ").  The terms of reference and membership of OIE Working Groups are included on these 
thematic website pages. The members of the Work ing Groups are nominated by the Director General 
of the OIE and endorsed by the World Assembly annually at the General Session.  In addition to 
representation from the five OIE regions, relevant p ublic and private sector partners of the OIE may 
participate in Working Groups.  3.6. Role of OIE ad hoc  Groups 
 
As described above, the initial drafting of a new st andard and any significant revision of an existing 
standard is normally undertaken by a group  of experts specifically convened to an ad hoc  Group 
tasked with the work in question.  OIE ad hoc  Groups normally comprise up to six scientists with 
internationally recognised expertise in a disease or topic. OIE Reference Centres (comprising 
Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres) are a common source of experts but participants 
are also drawn from academia, industry organisa tions, NGOs and OIE partner organisations.  OIE 
Member Countries and organisations having an offici al agreement with the OIE also submit lists of 
experts for various topics, which are held on file at OIE headquarters.  
OIE ad hoc  Groups may meet once or several times.  A few ad hoc  Groups, especially those tasked 
with the evaluation of disease status, meet regularly, once or twice a year, depending on the number of applications received from OIE Member Countri es.  The composition and terms of reference may 
change from one meeting to another if needed.  In  addition to preparing a first draft text for 
consideration by the relevant Specialist Commissi on, they may be re-convened to advise Specialist 
Commissions on submissions and on draft texts submitted by Member Countries. 
 The members of ad hoc Groups are nominated on the basis of excellence and geographical balance by 
the Director General, who takes into account any recommendations that OIE Member Countries may 
have provided, in addition to ensuring that partic ipants are drawn from all five OIE regions, to the 
extent that this is practicable.  Members of  Specialist Commissions and Working Groups may 
participate as observers in ad hoc Groups to facilitate communication between these Groups and the 
relevant Commission.  However, a member of a Specialist Commission may not chair an ad hoc  
Group.  The terms of reference of ad hoc Groups are decided by the Director General, taking into account the 
requests of Members, the opinion and advice of relevant Specialist Commissions and, as appropriate, 
Working Groups.  Reports of ad hoc  Groups, including draft standards, reflect a consensual position of all members of 
the Group.  Where scientific uncertainty leads to differences of opinion on the appropriate means to manage risk, options to address uncertainties are fully documented in the Group's report. 
 
The membership and terms of reference of ad hoc Groups are included in their reports, which are 
provided to OIE Member Countries with the report of the Specialist Commissions to which the Groups report, through the Director General.  3.7. Role of OIE Experts and OIE Reference Centres 
 
The OIE calls upon the expertise of renowned scientis ts in the development and significant revision of 
standards. The major source of OIE experts is the OIE-designated Reference Centres, comprising Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres, which number more than 250 institutes globally.   G/SPS/GEN/1120 
 Page 11 
 
 
  Each OIE Reference Laboratory has an OIE-d esignated Expert whose competence on a specific 
pathogen/disease is recognised internationally.  Co llaborating Centres of the OIE offer experts in 
specific fields. The OIE also calls on institutes other than OIE Reference Centres as necessary. 
 The experts serving as members of the OIE Specialist Commissions, Working Groups and ad hoc 
Groups act in their personal capacity as independent  scientists, not as representatives of a country or 
an organisation, to serve the overall interest of the OIE and its Member C ountries. Upon appointment, 
they are required to sign a Confidentiality Undert aking and submit a declaration of interest, in 
accordance with the relevant rules of the OIE, to  ensure proper management of transparency and 
potential conflict of interest and to assure the impa rtiality, objectivity and scientific integrity of the 
OIE’s work.  The same requirements apply to all expe rts, regardless of the specific mission or task.  
The rules governing confidentiality and conflict of in terest are set out by the Director General in 
conformity with the provisions in the Basic Texts and as agreed with the OIE Council (the elected Board of the OIE).  
The experts from OIE Reference Centres are requested  to respect confidentiality of information and 
refrain from engaging in any work that might comp romise or generate conflic t with the mandate of 
OIE Reference Centre, including in relation to standard setting.  Recognising the need to improve the geographic dist ribution of Reference Centres in the world, the 
OIE is implementing a laboratory twinning programme , with the specific objective of strengthening 
the capacity of developing countries to contribute to the OIE standard-setting process. 
 
3.8. Role of OIE Member Countries and Delegates 
 
Participation in the process of development and a doption of OIE standards is a responsibility of each 
OIE Member Country, as defined in the OIE Organic Rules.  This activity is coordinated through the 
permanent national Delegate, who is, in most cases, the Head of the national Veterinary Services.  
The OIE encourages national Delegates to nomina te, under their authority, focal points on seven 
topics (disease notification;  animal welfare;  animal production food safety;  veterinary products;  wildlife;  aquatic animals;  and communications)
 to help the Delegate to meet his/her responsibilities, 
particularly in relation to standard setting.  The OIE undertakes capacity building to support Delegates 
and nominated focal points, including by the regul ar conduct of seminars on the OIE and its standard-
setting procedures.  Experts, industry groups and or ganisations wishing to participate in the process of standards 
development may send submissions direct to the OI E but they are strongly encouraged to provide 
their input through a rele vant national Delegate. 
 OIE Delegates are informed of new or revised draft standards and are consulted at different steps of 
development, as mentioned above.  Their comments ar e the key inputs to future OIE standards.  They 
elect Members of Specialist Commissions (as well as members of the Council and members of Regional Commissions) and they endorse, on an annual basis, the membership of OIE permanent 
Working Groups. 
 The Member Countries also contribute to OIE sta ndard setting through financ ial and other support of 
OIE Reference Centres located in their territo ry, most of which are government institutes. 
 4. Conclusions 
As outlined above, the OIE procedures provide a basis for rapidity, flexibility, scientific rigour and 
transparency in the development of standards.  Ke y aspects relating to transparency are as follows:  G/SPS/GEN/1120 
Page 12  
 
   Standards are drafted by independent expe rts drawn from different OIE regions and 
selected on the basis of scientific excellence and geographical balance.  Mechanisms are 
in place to ensure the neutrality and scientific  integrity of experts appointed to work 
with the OIE. 
 All reports of ad hoc  Groups are reviewed by Specialist Commissions, comprising 
elected members, and, as appropriate, by Wo rking Groups.  These reviews particularly 
consider the risk management options proposed. 
 Reports of Specialist Commissions, Working Groups and ad hoc  Groups are made 
available to Members and the public via publication on the OIE website. 
 OIE Member Countries have scheduled opportunities to comment on draft standards. 
 Member Country comments are reviewed by the Specialist Commissions, which advise 
Delegates of their analysis and decisions on these comments by report on the OIE website. 
 All standards are adopted by the World Asse mbly, usually by consensus or, in rare 
cases, by a two thirds majority vote. 
 Each one of the 178 OIE Member Countries ha s an equal voice in the development and 
adoption of standards and each has a responsibility to engage with the OIE in this important work. 
 
_______________ 
  G/SPS/GEN/1120 
 Page 13 
 
 
  ANNEX 2:  A SUMMARY OF PROGRESS ON PVS PATHWAY EVALUATIONS 
 
 
PVS Evaluation missions:  State of play (30 Sept. 2011)  
 OIE 
Members PVS 
evaluations 
requests received PVS 
evaluations 
missions 
implemented Draft PVS 
evaluations 
reports 
received Reports 
available for 
(restricted) 
distribution 
to donors 
and partners 
Africa 52 50 45 43 35 
Americas 29 22 20 20 17 
Asia, the Far East and Oceania 32 18 15 14 11 
Europe 53 14 13 13 10 
Middle East 12 12 11 11 5 
TOTAL 178 116 104 101 78 
 
 
 
PVS Gap analysis:  State of play (30 Sept. 2011) 
 
 OIE 
Members PVS gap 
analysis 
requests 
received PVS gap 
analysis 
missions 
implemented PVS gap 
analysis 
missions 
reports 
received Reports 
available for 
(restricted) 
distribution 
to donors 
and partners 
Africa 52 31 25 19 9 
Americas 29 11 7 6 2 
Asia, the Far East and Oceania 32 12 8 7 4 
Europe 53 6 5 4 1 
Middle East 12 8 2 2 0 
TOTAL 178 68 47 38 16 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/1120 
Page 14  
 
  Veterinary legislation:  State of play (30 Sept. 2011) 
 
 OIE Members PVS legislation 
missions requests 
received PVS legislation 
missions 
implemented PVS legislation 
document 
received 
Africa 52 19 12 12 
Americas 29 4 2 2 
Asia, the Far East and Oceania 32 4 3 3 
Europe 53 3 1 1 
Middle East 12 4 4 4 
TOTAL 178 34 22 22 
 
 
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