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World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH; founded as Office International des Épizooties (OIE)) is the science based standard setting organization at the international level for animal and veterinary public health. It also serves as the scientific reference body for international trade of animals and animal derived products under the Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization.

The WOAH's objectives are:

The duties of the WOAH Delegate for Canada include, but are not limited to:

International Standards

International Sanitary Standards are drafted by the WOAH Specialist Commissions. Standards are created to protect countries from the introduction of diseases and pathogens, while ensuring they are fair and scientifically justified. These sanitary standards are continually revised and updated.

At the Specialist Commission level comments that are supported by sound scientific information will be taken into account and draft standards may be revised accordingly.  All revised draft standards are submitted to the WOAH for ratification by the International Committee at the General Session. Ratified standards are then incorporated into the relevant WOAH publications. 

The WOAH oversees four specialist commissions that develop and revise the WOAH's international sanitary standards, by addressing scientific and technical issues raised by Member Countries.

In addition to the four Specialist Commissions, there are three working groups focusing on Wildlife Diseases, Animal Welfare and Food Safety. The purpose of the working groups is to collect, analyse and disseminate information relevant to their respective fields.

WOAH's Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Evaluation Report of Canada

The WOAH has evaluated Canada's veterinary services and has found Canada to be a top performing country and a leading example for meeting international veterinary service standards. The report is now available on the WOAH's website.

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