World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.

The primary objective of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) - formerly the Office international des épizooties - is to control the international spread of animal diseases. It was an outbreak of rinderpest in Europe that led to the OIE’s creation in 1920. Since 2002, the organisation has expanded its mandate to include animal welfare. The OIE establishes international standards intended to prevent and control animal diseases including zoonoses, to safeguard the sanitary safety of world trade in terrestrial and aquatic animals and derived products, and to improve animal welfare.

Development of a world animal health information system

Due to globalisation, the spread of infectious diseases can prove devastating. Effective surveillance for early detection of such diseases at source is therefore essential in order to control them quickly and to protect animal and human populations. One mission of the OIE is to guarantee transparency and improve awareness of the world animal health situation. This mission is fulfilled on a daily basis thanks to a unique tool: the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). WAHIS includes disease alerts that anyone can receive by e-mail, RSS feed or smartphone app.

The OIE and Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the 28 founding members of the OIE. The Director of the FSVO represents Switzerland in the World Assembly of Delegates, which democratically adopts the standards drafted by recognised scientific experts. In addition, the FSVO participates actively in the development of standards and supports certain activities related to the strengthening of veterinary services worldwide and especially in Europe. The FSVO’s commitment to the OIE enables the FSVO to work for human and animal health as well as nd animal welfare at a global level. It also benefits from the knowledge and experience of other countries and institutions.