Page 506 - The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual 3rd Edition

OIE’s core missions in relation to laboratories working in the veterinary domain 443

standards on animal health and welfare; sharing to establish trust through transparency and com-
reliable information on the animal disease situa- munication.
tion worldwide in real time; collecting, analysing
and disseminating veterinary scientific informa-
tion worldwide; and developing international collecting, analysing and
solidarity to achieve better control of animal disseminating veterinary scientific
diseases in the world. 2 information worldwide

The OIE collects and analyses the latest scien-
developing international standards tific information on the prevention and control
on animal health and welfare of animal diseases. This information is then
made available to members so that they can
In order to prevent and control animal diseases, apply the most effective methods. The work
including zoonoses, ensure the sanitary safety of the OIE is supported by a worldwide net-
of world trade in terrestrial and aquatic animals work of expertise in animal health, veterinary
and animal products, and improve and secure public health and animal welfare, including
animal welfare by appropriate risk management, a wide array of national focal points, expand-
the OIE develops international standards on ing expertise of the OIE reference centres and
animal health and welfare. These standards are diverse scientific expertise in the form of ad
prepared and updated by recognized scientific hoc and working groups. Permanent exchange
experts and are adopted at annual general ses- of information and the constant strengthen-
sions through voting by the World Assembly of ing of the scientific and technical competencies
Delegates of the OIE. of the members of these networks all help to
ensure the scientific excellence of the OIE
worldwide.
Sharing reliable information on the
animal disease situation worldwide in
real time developing international solidarity
to achieve better control of animal
As a result of increased trade and travel in the diseases in the world
era of globalization, infectious diseases can
spread more quickly than ever before and up-to- The OIE supports its members and works
date information on disease occurrence is vitally to ensure the capacity and sustainability of
important. Effective surveillance and enabling veterinary services in line with the OIE’s inter-
early detection of these diseases at their source governmental standards, notably by acting on
in animals is therefore crucial so that they can the quality of the national veterinary services,
be quickly controlled, thereby protecting animal diagnostic laboratories and veterinary education.
and human populations. Since its creation, one To help members deal effectively with health
of the OIE’s historic missions has been to ensure threats, the OIE provides support through a
transparency and improve knowledge of the range of programmes, notably within the frame-
global animal disease situation, including zoo- work of the PVS (Performance of Veterinary
noses. This mission is fulfilled on a daily basis Services) Pathway, aimed at strengthening
thanks to a unique tool, the OIE World Animal national animal health systems through system-
Health Information System (WAHIS) that helps atic assessments during in-country missions.

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