Since 1998, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has tasked the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) with recognizing countries and zones that are free from certain animal diseases. This recognition not only benefits international trade and national livestock industries but also highlights the efforts of WOAH members in controlling animal diseases.
Initially limited to countries free from foot and mouth disease (FMD), the scope of WOAH’s official disease-free status has expanded to include other diseases such as African horse sickness (AHS), classical swine fever (CSF), contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Additionally, WOAH endorses control programs for FMD, CBPP, PPR, and dog-mediated rabies. Members may voluntarily apply for recognition of their animal health status.
Each year, during its General Session, WOAH honors members that achieve disease-free status or have their control programs officially recognized. Such achievements facilitate the international and regional trade of animals and animal products. Recognized control programs also help veterinary services secure government funding to implement their plans.
At WOAH’s 92nd General Session, several countries and zones were added to the list of those recognized for their animal health status:
- Argentina, the Republic of Korea, and Russia were recognized for new FMD-free zones with vaccination.
- Bolivia and Brazil were declared FMD-free without vaccination in new zones.
- Chinese Taipei was recognized as free of CSF.
- Mongolia’s FMD control program was endorsed.
- Saudi Arabia was declared free of AHS.
- Tanzania’s dog-mediated rabies control program was endorsed.
- Two zones in the United Kingdom were recognized as having negligible BSE risk.
Recent global milestones in FMD control underscore the importance of coordinated efforts in disease prevention. Notably, Bolivia and Brazil have been declared FMD-free without the use of vaccination, marking a significant achievement due to the local and regional coordination required. After a setback, Mongolia successfully revised its FMD control program, earning WOAH’s endorsement once again.
Bolivia’s Commitment to FMD Control
Since 2010, Bolivia has implemented a progressive FMD control strategy, focusing on zoning to gradually achieve FMD-free status in each area. Dr. Hernán Oliver Daza, WOAH Delegate and Bolivia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, explained that careful zoning has helped avoid conflicts in internal livestock trade. The country first gained recognition for FMD-free zones with vaccination, and in the last five years, achieved FMD-free status nationwide without vaccination.
Bolivia’s success is due in part to strong public-private partnerships and strategic use of the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) tool. Dr. Daza emphasized that maintaining and strengthening current efforts is key to continuing compliance with WOAH standards and regional disease eradication plans.
Brazil’s Major FMD-Free Milestone
Dr. Marcelo de Andrade Mota, WOAH Delegate and Director at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, highlighted that Brazil’s FMD-free status represents the culmination of decades of work. The country’s vast size and large livestock population, including over 234 million cattle, made this achievement particularly challenging. Brazil mobilized its veterinary system at national, state, and municipal levels, ensuring that veterinarians were present in over 85% of the country’s municipalities, including remote areas.
FMD-free status is critical for Brazil’s economy, especially given its role as one of the largest producers and exporters of beef. It also strengthens Brazil’s position in global food security.
Mongolia’s Strengthened FMD Surveillance
Mongolia’s path to FMD control faced significant challenges, especially after WOAH withdrew its endorsement of the country’s control program. Dr. Ayushjav Narantuya, WOAH Delegate and Mongolia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, noted that the re-endorsement of the FMD control program would bring immediate and long-term benefits, such as improved market access and economic gains in the livestock sector.
Mongolia invested heavily in both passive and active FMD surveillance, particularly in high-risk border areas. Training programs for veterinarians and inspectors, in collaboration with Mongolia’s General Agency for Veterinary Services (GAVS), were crucial to this success. Dr. Narantuya emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that local ownership and trust-building are key to effective disease control.
Conclusion
WOAH recognition of animal health status supports local economies, facilitates safe trade, and represents progress in the global fight against livestock diseases. These efforts not only protect animal health but also safeguard human health and livelihoods, as healthy animals contribute to healthy communities.
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