Enhancing the use and impact of WOAH official animal health status recognition

For three decades, WOAH’s official animal health status recognition has supported Members in advancing disease control, facilitating safe trade, and building confidence in Veterinary Services. As the global animal health and trade environment continues to evolve, WOAH is seeking Members’ perspectives on how official status is used in practice and how its value can be further enhanced. WOAH has therefore launched a survey to capture experiences, challenges, and recommendations from Members holding one or more official statuses.

Since its introduction in 1996, official status recognition has become one of WOAH’s flagship programmes and a cornerstone of its science-based approach to improving animal health and supporting safe trade. Initially established to officially recognise Members or zones free from foot and mouth disease, the procedure has progressively expanded to include additional diseases, reflecting evolving animal health priorities. As the animal health, trade, and regulatory environment continues to evolve, WOAH is undertaking a review to better understand Members’ experiences and identify opportunities to further strengthen the use, impact and international recognition of official status.

To support this effort and as WOAH marks the 30th anniversary of official animal health status recognition, the Organisation has launched a survey targeting Members that hold at least one official animal health status at Member or zonal level. The survey aims to gather insights on Members’ experiences, including the benefits achieved, challenges encountered, and factors that influence the use and recognition of official status, particularly in the context of international trade and risk management.