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WOAH: Setting International Animal

Health Standards

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The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is a globally respected source for

animal health and veterinary information. WOAH collects and shares information

about animal diseases worldwide and develops science-based animal health

standards that facilitate safe international trade in animals and animal products.

What Is WOAH's Role?

WOAH sets international trade standards for animal health and disease control.

APHIS, the primary U.S. agency responsible for animal health issues associated with

trade in animals and animal products, actively participates in creating these

standards, which protect U.S. animal agriculture and support safe global commerce.

To create these standards, WOAH periodically collects information on diseases found

in each country. WOAH revises international trade standards, which are sent to

member entities, including APHIS, for opportunities to review and comment. 

The Review Cycle for International Animal Health Standards
September

Meeting of WOAH Specialist Commissions (Terrestrial,

Aquatic, Biological, Scientific) to create new or update

existing standards.

Late October/Early

November

WOAH distributes proposed standards to members, including

APHIS, for comment. APHIS posts the standards and invites

stakeholders to comment on two lists of standards:

"Part A" list standards are proposed for adoption in May.

"Part B" list standards will go through additional rounds

of comments before being proposed for adoption.

Late

December/Early

January

APHIS submits U.S. comments to WOAH. APHIS posts the

proposed standards and invites stakeholders to comment.

February

Meeting of WOAH Specialist Commissions (Terrestrial,

Aquatic, Biological, Scientific) to create new or update

existing standards.

Late March/Early

April

WOAH distributes proposed standards to members, including

APHIS, for comment. APHIS posts the standards and invites

stakeholders to comment.

May

Proposed "Part A" list standards are adopted at the WOAH

General Session and become the international standards.

July

APHIS submits U.S. comments on "Part B" list standards to

WOAH . APHIS posts the proposed standards and invites

stakeholders to comment.

What Is APHIS' Role?

The Deputy Administrator of Veterinary Services, also known as the Chief Veterinary

Officer (CVO), is designated as the U.S. Delegate, managing animal health standardsetting activities related to the WOAH (see table in the "What Is WOAH's Role?"

section above). The CVO coordinates U.S. comments on animal health standards

proposed for adoption.

While it is the United States' intent to participate in developing science-based

international standards and support their adoption, the U.S. position on a specific
draft standard depends on the acceptability and technical merit of the final draft.

How to Comment on WOAH Standards as a

Stakeholder

Below are links to the standards for which APHIS seeks comment. Comments are

accepted during specific periods in the review cycle for International Animal Health

(see table in the What Is WOAH's Role section above).

Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission (Aquatic Animals Commission) 

The Aquatic Animals Commission helps ensure the Aquatic Animal Health Code

(Aquatic Code) and Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals (Aquatic Manual)

reflect current scientific information. The Aquatic Code and Aquatic Manual contain

international standards for trade, disease prevention, and disease control for aquatic

animals and their products.

Biological Standards Commission (Laboratory Commission) 

The Laboratory Commission helps ensure the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for

Terrestrial Animals (Terrestrial Manual) reflects current scientific information. The

Terrestrial Manual develops international standards for laboratory diagnostic tests

and vaccines for animal diseases.

Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission (Code Commission) 

The Code Commission helps ensure the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Terrestrial

Code) reflects current scientific information. The Terrestrial Code contains

international standards for trade, disease prevention, and disease control for

terrestrial animals and their products.

Scientific Commission Report

In addition, you can view the Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (Scientific

Commission) report. The Scientific Commission helps identify the most appropriate

strategies and measures for disease prevention and control. It also examines

voluntary requests from WOAH members about their disease-specific animal health

status.