Decisions and risk analyses must be based on science and facts which are established by sound scientific investigation and knowledge. And as well, the whole process must be transparent and subject to review. In other words, we should decide how we are going to trade, based on known scientific principles, and we should openly discuss our rationales for reaching these decisions, and be prepared to defend them. Central to this process and to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement is science-based risk assessment because this is how each country determines the nature of a risk to human, animal or plant life or health, the probability of its occurrence, and the potential biological and economic consequences. But here is where some of the weaknesses occur.
Risk assessment is subject to significant debate among scientific experts.
Risk assessments are built around assumptions as well as scientific facts. Yet some assumptions are absolutely necessary to allow the process to proceed. Scientific knowledge is almost never as complete and solid as we would like it to be, but we have to work with what is known, deficient or not. OIE is an international organization, established some 74 years ago, by some far-sighted individuals of a select number of countries, to address the control of some of the worst plague diseases of animals which were threatening to spread and affect the animals of a number of countries. Through cooperation, they developed procedures, guidelines, and information sharing to serve as tools by which to help each other prevent the spread and introduction of these diseases.