OECD Study on the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Observatory
Strengthening the Implementation of International Standards

The effective control of animal diseases and zoonoses requires co-ordinated policy action among countries. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), an intergovernmental organisation, offers a comprehensive framework increasing transparency on animal disease status, strengthening national veterinary services, and facilitating safe international trade of live animals and animal products. To achieve these objectives, OIE Members adopt a number of voluntary normative instruments, commonly referred to as OIE’s international standards. While the OIE works to support its Members in implementation, Members continue to face challenges in the use of these standards. This OECD study provides a diagnostic of the current state of play of OIE standards and of the data collection mechanisms that are (or may be) used to gather information on how they are implemented domestically. Based on this diagnostic, the OECD provides recommendations to support the OIE in establishing an Observatory to enhance the use and effectiveness of its standards.
Foreword
The protection of animal health and welfare is one of many areas where governments can benefit from co-operating internationally and co-ordinating their national policies. Without the implementation of prevention and control measures, animal diseases can spread both within and between countries. The dissemination of animal diseases around the world can be devastating for animal production, human health (for zoonotic diseases) and have serious consequences for national economies. Intergovernmental co-operation is therefore essential to prevent the spread of diseases across borders and to provide sanitary measures that ensure safe international trade of live animals and animal products.