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Nowadays, through the effects of globalisation, infectious diseases can
often spread at lightning speed. 60% of the pathogens that affect
humans are of animal origin. Effective surveillance, enabling early
detection of diseases at their source in animals, is therefore crucial so
that they can be quickly controlled, thereby protecting animal and
human populations.
Since its creation, one of the OIE’s historic missions has been to ensure
transparency and improve knowledge of the global animal disease
situation, including zoonoses. This mission is fulfilled on a daily basis
thanks to a unique tool, the OIE World Animal Health Information
System, WAHIS.
Discover how WAHIS works to provide reliable
animal health information worldwide
WAHIS is used to process data on animal diseases
of domestic animals and wildlife so that the
international community can then be informed of
the outbreaks occurring if more than 180 countries
in the world.
Video: www.oie.int/WAHISmov/EN
The OIE collects and analyses the latest scientific information on
prevention and control of animal diseases. This information is then
made available to Member Countries so that they can apply the most
effective methods.
The work of the OIE is supported by a worldwide network of
expertise that has expanded and consolidated over the years. The
regular increase in national Focal Points and OIE Reference Centres,
the permanent exchange of information and the constant
strengthening of the scientific and technical competencies of the
members of this network all help to ensure the scientific excellence of
the OIE worldwide.
These include:
The OIE’s network of expertise counts
spread all over the world.
•
247 Reference Laboratories designated to
monitor and folloxup all scientific and
technical problems relating to specific
diseases.
•
49 Collaborating Centres in charge of a
specific sphere of competence relating to
animal health,. These are cross-cutting topics,
such as general epidemiology or veterinary
medicinal products.