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Field evaluation and post-vaccination monitoring for informed decision-making
The right evidence, at the right moment, can guide better decisions.
As African swine fever (ASF) continues to affect pig production, animal health systems and safe trade worldwide, WOAH has published new guidelines to support evidence-based vaccine use. The Guidelines for African swine fever vaccines: field evaluation and post-vaccination monitoring provide practical guidance to help Members implement international standards and mitigate risks associated with substandard vaccines.
Developed with experts from The Pirbright Institute and the Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice at City University of Hong Kong, the guidelines are now available and provide a practical, field-oriented reference for Veterinary Services, competent authorities and other stakeholders involved in vaccine deployment.
Supporting evidence-based decisions in the field
ASF vaccination is rapidly evolving. While vaccine candidates are under development and some live attenuated virus vaccines have received regulatory approval in certain countries, WOAH emphasises that only high-quality vaccines manufactured according to international standards should be used. Vaccination decisions must be grounded in reliable evidence and adapted to local epidemiological conditions. The guidelines support Members in generating and assessing this evidence, covering the design, implementation and evaluation of field studies, as well as the benefit–risk assessment that should precede any national or regional vaccination programme. Practical tools, including sample size calculators and recording form templates, are included to help users apply the guidance directly on the ground.
From field trials to post-vaccination monitoring
Running a field trial well requires getting many things right at once: clear case definitions, appropriate study designs, rigorous randomisation, consistent data collection and validated laboratory testing. The guidelines walk users through each of these elements, with worked examples where possible, to ensure that field evaluations generate evidence that is both reliable and usable for decision-making.
Post-vaccination monitoring is equally important. The guidelines cover the systematic tracking of vaccine effectiveness under real-world conditions, alongside pharmacovigilance to detect side effects or adverse events. A dedicated three-step framework is provided to help countries set up and sustain monitoring systems, from establishing expected side effects and reporting channels to periodically evaluating and revising the programme. Genomic surveillance, including whole genome sequencing where feasible, is also recommended to detect potential reversion to virulence or recombination events over time.
Vaccination as one tool among many
These guidelines make clear that vaccination is not a standalone solution. It must be integrated into comprehensive ASF prevention and control strategies, alongside biosecurity, surveillance and movement controls, tailored to each Member.
Bringing technical guidance closer to Members
Aligned with WOAH’s commitment to supporting Members in building robust animal health systems, the guidelines are designed to be adapted rather than applied rigidly. Countries with sufficient resources are encouraged to conduct their own field trials. Others can draw on data from countries with comparable production systems, with WOAH facilitating connections to relevant Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres. Transparency and data sharing are highlighted throughout, in keeping with the principles of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
ASF is a transboundary disease, what happens in one country affects its neighbours. That is why the evidence generated through field trials needs to be shared, not kept in silos.
Upcoming webinar
To support the practical use of these guidelines, WOAH will host a webinar on 30 June 2026, bringing together the authors and selected Members to discuss the application of this resource.
More information
Guidelines for African swine fever vaccines: field evaluation and post-vaccination monitoring
Contact: [email protected]
WOAH Biological Standards Commission decides to relaunch a global call for new tuberculin candidates after extensive international trials
Following a decade of international studies, the WOAH Biological Standards Commission, supported by an ad hoc group of experts, has concluded that the proposed replacement candidates for the International Standard for Bovine Tuberculin do not meet the required potency levels. It will now relaunch a global call for new candidates’ materials.
What is the International Standard for Bovine Tuberculin?
The International Standard Bovine Tuberculin (ISBT) is a biological reference material derived from Mycobacterium bovis strain AN5. Established nearly three decades ago, it defines a standardised protein concentration that serves as the global benchmark for tuberculin potency testing.
ISBT is used worldwide in bovine tuberculosis control programmes for screening cattle. All commercial bovine tuberculin preparations must be calibrated against this standard.
The science behind tuberculin testing
Tuberculin testing exploits the immune system’s memory of infection. When Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms infect cattle, the animal’s immune system develops a hypersensitivity response to specific bacterial proteins. The tuberculin skin test capitalises on this biological activity by injecting purified protein derivative (PPD) intradermally and measuring the resulting immune response as an increase in skin thickness. This delayed hypersensitivity reaction, measured 72 hours post-injection, indicates prior exposure to tuberculosis.
A decade-long effort to replace the standard
The current ISBT, established in 1986, has been in limited supply since 2015. In response, WOAH’s Biological Standards Commission, supported by an ad hoc group of mammalian tuberculosis reference laboratory experts, has coordinated experiments with multiple laboratories, research institutes and tuberculin manufacturers across continents to identify a suitable replacement.
Key findings
Two candidates were initially shortlisted in 2017. Following further evaluation, only one (Candidate B) progressed to international collaborative trials conducted between 2018 and 2025.
However, the latest assays revealed persistent potency shortfalls:
- Potency levels (18,000–19,116 IU/mg) remained well below the required minimum of 32,000 IU/mg.
- Multiple laboratories confirmed inconsistent results despite protocol refinements.
- High assay variability and weak dose-response relationships hindered reliable potency determination.
Final trials in November 2025 confirmed that Candidate B does not meet the criteria to replace ISBT.
Future directions
The Biological Standards Commission acknowledged that PPD is a complex biological substance having many specific and non-specific proteins. They emphasised that accepting a lower potency international standard would compromise the comparability of global tuberculin standardisation across laboratories and batches.
The Commission therefore decided to:
- relaunch a global call for new tuberculin candidates.
- support the development of alternative approaches for PPD-based tests such as the Molecularly Defined Tuberculins (MDTs) which use specific peptides as a long-term alternative to traditional PPD-based assays.
While promising, MDTs require further field validation across different epidemiological settings before they can replace current methods.
More information
The full meeting report, including detailed methodology and statistical analyses, is available on the WOAH website:
WOAH Ad hoc Group on Replacement of the International Standard for Bovine Tuberculin. Report 2015-2025.
Ad hoc Groups – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health
Biological Standards Commission – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health
Contact: [email protected]
WOAH is launching a call for nominations to establish a list of experts from which the World Assembly of Delegates will elect members and nominate Presidents and Vice Presidents to its four Specialist Commissions.
The call opens on 6 July and closes on 11 September 2026.
The Specialist Commissions are:
- Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission
- Biological Standards Commission
- Scientific Commission on Animal Diseases
- Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission
Are you a potential candidate?
WOAH invites internationally recognised veterinarians or experts with strong technical knowledge and practical experience in terrestrial or aquatic animal health and welfare to apply.
You should:
- have demonstrated expertise in animal health and welfare, as well as in veterinary public health.
- be highly proficient in English (listening, reading, speaking and writing).
- have good communication and analytical skills to work in an intercultural environment.
- be able to secure endorsement from your WOAH Delegate and support from your employer.
- commit the time needed to participate in the work programme and attend meetings in Paris between May 2027 and May 2030.
How to apply
Before submitting your application:
Confirm your eligibility and ensure you meet the required expertise and availability (see full guidance).
Obtain a letter of endorsement from the Delegate of your native country or your country of residence (consult the list of WOAH Delegates).
Prepare your application, demonstrating how you meet the evaluation criteria – described in the Annex III of the Guidance – by providing your professional competencies (qualifications, international standards, scientific technical expertise) and key attributes (communication and analytical skills, intercultural awareness and teamwork skills), as well as your proficiency in English (see requirements).
About the Specialist Commissions
WOAH Specialist Commissions play a key role in developing and revising international standards, collaborating with the Organisation’s global scientific network. They are also responsible for the official recognition of animal health status and provide scientific and technical advice on epidemiology, prevention and control of animal diseases (see Specialist Commissions and Internal Rules, Terms of Reference of the WOAH Specialist Commissions).
Learn more
For futher information, consult the Frequently Asked Questions, visit the dedicated webpage www.woah.org/callforexperts or contact: [email protected]
Important information
- Only applications submitted through the online system will be accepted.
- Incomplete applications cannot be saved; applicants are advised to prepare their responses in advance and paste them into the online form when ready to submit (see Annex IV of the Guidance).
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Leaders and Experts Unite for the ‘Acting Now, Investing Smart – Partner Together to Tackle AMR’ Forum
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a future threat. With an estimated 39 million deaths and up to US$1.7 trillion in annual livestock GDP losses projected by 2050, AMR is already reshaping global health, economic stability and food systems. Against this backdrop, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), hosted in March the Forum ‘Acting Now, Investing Smart – Partner Together to Tackle AMR’. The forum convened leaders and experts from human and animal health, agriculture, aquaculture, environment, climate, pandemic resilience, economics and security sectors to confront a pressing reality: AMR is already here, and its impacts will deepen unless the world acts collectively, decisively and urgently.
About the Forum
AMR is not a distant threat but a present crisis demanding urgent action.
Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH Director General, sounded a stark warning:
AMR is a global multisectoral crisis with no borders that can exponentially grow without decisive action. Without our determination and collective voices, the burden of AMR on humans, animals, plants, and the environment will be far graver than current estimates.
Mark Pearson, Acting Director for OECD’s Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, underscored AMR’s dual health and economic urgency: ‘Every year, AMR drains nearly USD 1 trillion from health systems and economies worldwide…Our analysis shows that if we take decisive action to eliminate AMR, average global life expectancy would be 1.8 years higher in 2035 than under current AMR policy action. This is equivalent to re-gaining more than twice the average life expectancy lost in European countries during COVID-19’.
The same WOAH and the World Bank co-published study showed that drug-resistant pathogens could jeopardise the food supply of over two billion people, raise healthcare costs by US$159 billion per year by 2050, and reduce global GDP by US$40 billion annually if business-as-usual continues. In contrast, achieving a 30% reduction in animal antimicrobial use within five years could raise global GDP by US$14 billion by 2050, with further gains possible through optimal use over 20 years.
The Intersection of AMR with Other Global Agendas
AMR is not a sectoral issue. Esteemed special guest, Professor Dame Sally Davies, former UK Chief Medical Officer and a leading advocate for AMR awareness and action worldwide, underlined the connection of AMR with other issues:
AMR is not a vertical programme — it’s about strengthening systems everywhere: our food chains, human health systems, companion animals, even our economic structures. If we truly care about real impact, AMR and animal health must be linked with other global agendas.
The forum emphasised that AMR is deeply intertwined with pandemic prevention, climate change, biodiversity loss and national security. Resistant pathogens can spread through trade routes, livestock movements and environmental contamination, while climate-driven stress on animals and ecosystems amplifies infection and resistance. ‘We have to connect the dots: between AMR, pandemic prevention, economic stability, climate change and global security’, Davies added.
United by a shared urgency to accelerate action, participants explored ways to mobilise investment, align global efforts and prioritise funding opportunities capable of delivering long-term impact through a One Health approach. The Forum provided a platform for presenting WOAH and OECD’s five-year strategic visions, alongside joint initiatives and partnership pathways between the two organisations.
The Forum in Three Acts
- What Have We Learned?
An evidence-rich panel showcased progress in AMR surveillance, multisectoral governance, companion animal health, as well as the legacy of the Fleming Fund. The discussion demonstrated what is possible when resources are directed with purpose. - AMR at the Crossroads
Facilitated by Dame Sally Davies, this session examined how AMR intersects with major global challenges, including pandemic preparedness, economic stability, climate change and global security. This discussion reinforced the case that addressing AMR strengthens resilience across every major global agenda. - Looking Ahead to 2030
Following presentations on the strategic visions, a World Café format enabled direct dialogue around four collaborative topics: substandard and falsified products, the economic case for AMR, integrated surveillance and aquaculture. The conversations pointed clearly towards partnership-driven solutions.
A Call to Action We Take Forward Together
AMR is not a challenge any single country, organisation or sector can resolve alone. The Forum reaffirmed that progress depends on the depth, quality and durability of partnerships, supported by predictable and adequate financing. Addressing AMR in only one sector is not enough. Without coordinated action across human, animal, plant and environmental health, resistant pathogens can persist and spread, undermining national and global efforts to control AMR and putting everyone at risk.
The forum emphasised the urgent need to invest in prevention strategies including vaccine development, improved biosecurity, infection prevention and control, as well as waste management, to strengthen health systems and reduce antimicrobial use. It also called for greater investment, sustained political commitment and multisectoral collaboration to close funding gaps, enhance surveillance, and scale up prevention efforts globally. Additionally, the forum urged that AMR be included on the agendas of finance ministries alongside health ministries.
Sustained investment is essential to advance commitments under the United Nations Political Declaration on AMR by 2030 and to implement the updated Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (2026–2030). Through mechanisms such as WOAH’s World Fund, resource partners can help translate strategic vision into concrete, measurable actions and deliver lasting improvements in animal health and welfare.
WOAH and OECD stand ready to engage with partners wishing to explore how they can contribute financially to advancing this agenda. Together, we can, and must, act now and invest smart.
More information
Acting Now, Investing Smart – Partner Together to Tackle AMR, Forum webpage
Investing in Animal Health to Curb AMR
Responding to Substandard and Falsified Veterinary Products to Curb AMR
Strengthening Integrated Surveillance for Evidence-Based Actions in Animal Health
Enhancing Knowledge and Use of Economic Data around AMR
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture
Contact: Veterinary Products and Drug Resistance Department [email protected]
WOAH launches a pilot to simplify the official animal health status procedure
In response to concerns raised by Members about the administrative burden associated with the annual reconfirmation procedure, WOAH and its Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (the Commission) launched a streamlining initiative. The objective is to simplify the procedure while ensuring continued alignment with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. The pilot phase is ready to be launched.
Revised reconfirmation form for foot and mouth disease (without vaccination)
At the Commission’s request, WOAH developed a revised annual reconfirmation form for foot and mouth disease (FMD) last year. The updated form features closed-ended, concise questions and tailored guidance indicating when additional information is required.
This form was first shared with Members as an annex to the Commission’s September 2025 meeting report. Following feedback received from Members, the Commission endorsed further refinements at its February 2026 meeting and recommended piloting the form for Members having an FMD-free status where vaccination is not practised.
Pilot phase to gather Members’ feedback
Members having expressed interest in streamlining annual reconfirmations and provided input to date –ensuring balanced representation across WOAH Regions – will be invited to participate in this pilot test.
The pilot will gather feedback from end users, identify technical or operational challenges and propose more effective approaches for submitting supporting documentation, in line with the requirements of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Its outcomes will inform the timeline for full implementation and ensure the final process reflects Members’ practical needs and operating realities.
Engage with us during the 93rd General Session
To support continued dialogue, the WOAH Status Department will host a dedicated kiosk on Official Status Recognition during the 93rd General Session this May. All WOAH Members are warmly encouraged to visit the kiosk and engage with the team.
Open call for Members to express interest
The WOAH Status Department invites Members to take part in this initiative. Expressions of interest should be sent to the WOAH Status Department [email protected] by 29 May 2026.
Contact: WOAH Status Department ([email protected])
Authors: A. Bouma, H.A. Lim, T.J.D. van Riet, H.I.J. Roest
Since 2021, high pathogenicity of avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) has spread worldwide. It is present in many countries, causing widespread infections in poultry that are often controlled through large-scale culling. The virus is also established in wild bird populations and has led to infections in several mammal species. While human infections remain rare, the risk of a broader public health event, such as a pandemic, cannot be ignored. Reducing virus spread is therefore a priority for both animal and human health. Vaccination could be one of the tools to support this goal and should not be hampered by unjustified trade barriers.
Global situation of HPAI
HPAI H5N1 continues to cause recurring outbreaks in poultry and mammals, with often devastating impacts on the poultry sector and wild animal populations. Control measures rely largely on culling infected flocks, leading to the loss of millions of birds. This approach warrants reconsideration, particularly given the sustained circulation of the virus in wild bird populations. More sustainable, long-term strategies are needed, and vaccination could serve as a valuable additional tool to achieve this goal.
Vaccination, animal health and safe trade
In 2023, the WOAH World Assembly of Delegates adopted Resolution No. 28, recognising vaccination as a complementary disease control tool. WOAH international standards stipulate that vaccination use does not affect a country’s HPAI-free status, provided surveillance demonstrates the absence of infection.
Despite this progress, several challenges remain. Vaccination programmes are currently applied in only a limited number of at-risk countries. Although more countries are considering vaccination, concerns about vaccination and surveillance costs, product value and potential impacts on international trade continue to limit uptake, especially in exporting countries. While some trade barriers are justified, others appear disproportionate and need further discussion.
To address these challenges, the Netherlands set up an international working group on HPAI vaccination and trade. Together with Canada, the European Commission, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and WOAH, the Netherlands organised a meeting of this working group last January. Participants agreed to work together to make HPAI vaccination feasible in the near future, providing necessary assurances to allow safe trade.
Key issues to be addressed
The working group underlined the need to develop and recognise minimum requirements that would facilitate international trade in products from vaccinated poultry and eliminate unjustified trade barriers. The group also noted that agreements with respect to vaccination and trade should be aligned with existing international standards, such as zoning, and should include appropriate surveillance and control measures that support virus control while maintaining trade confidence.
Next steps
A side event will be organised during the WOAH General Session in May. The international working group will present progress to date and outline planned activities. The focus will be on improving understanding of vaccination performance and exploring the development of minimum, widely supported surveillance programme requirements to demonstrate the absence of infection and facilitate trade in products from vaccinated poultry.
In addition, WOAH will develop guidelines for surveillance of HPAI in vaccinated poultry population, with the aim of supporting disease status recognition and safe trade.
Members interested in supporting future vaccination efforts are encouraged to express their interest.
Looking ahead
The goal is to move towards a more sustainable poultry sector that prioritises animal health and welfare, while also protecting public health and the environment.
Report of the Governance Review Committee to the World Assembly of Delegates – 93rd General Session (2026)
As WOAH prepares for the 93rd General Session in May this year, the Governance Review Committee (GRC) has released its 2026 report outlining proposals to modernise and strengthen the Organisation’s governance framework. Developed through extensive Member consultation and regional engagement, these recommendations will be submitted to the World Assembly of Delegates (WOAH Assembly) for consideration and decision, marking a milestone in the ongoing governance review. The report reflects both the progress achieved during Phase 1 of the Committee’s work and the collective commitment of Members to building a more transparent, efficient and inclusive Organisation.
Progress to Date (May 2025 – March 2026)
Over the past year, the GRC has held six meetings and launched two subgroups to codify WOAH’s mandate and review the organisation and governance of its technical bodies. It has also carried out consultations with all five Regional Commissions, ensuring that regional perspectives and priorities remain central to shaping the Committee’s proposed reforms.
Seven Recommendations for Member Consideration
In its 2026 report, the Committee has put forward seven recommendations for consideration by the WOAH Assembly at its 93rd General Session in May 2026. In line with Resolution No. 5 (2025), these proposals aim to strengthen WOAH’s institutional, regional and financial governance.
The recommendations are to:
- Increase transparency regarding WOAH Members’ financial contributions and arrears.
- Launch a consultation and analysis process on moving from WOAH’s self-selection statutory contribution model to a compulsory, formula-based system.
- Clarify and reinforce WOAH’s sanctions model for Members in arrears.
- Expand the ability of delegation members to speak and vote at the General Session with the Delegate’s authorisation.
- Modernise the roles and functions of Regional Commissions and their Bureaus.
- Transform the Past President seat on the WOAH Council into an elected position.
- Introduce a three-tier, risk-based framework for cooperation agreements, allowing the Council and Director General to finalise certain agreements under defined conditions.
Together, these recommendations aim to clarify key aspects of WOAH’s governance, improve the consistency of oversight, strengthen financial arrangements and update roles and processes across the Organisation.
Strong Member Engagement and Phase 1 Extension
Member engagement has been central to the GRC’s work. Active participation from all regions has helped shape the Committee’s proposals and ensure they reflect shared priorities. Building on this momentum, Phase 1 has been extended to the 94th General Session in 2027, allowing the GRC to continue refining its work through inclusive consultation and sustained collaboration with Members.
What’s Next?
The GRC report will be presented during the WOAH’s virtual Regional Commissions meetings in May, offering Members another opportunity to exchange views on the Committee’s recommendations. The proposals will then be formally considered by the WOAH Assembly during the 93rd General Session in May.
Key Dates to Watch
- Virtual Regional Commissions meetings: May (several dates)
- Next GRC Meeting (GRC 10): 14–15 May 2026
- 93rd General Session: 18–22 May 2026
Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us in shaping the future of WOAH governance. Together, we are building a stronger, more transparent Organisation that advances animal health and welfare for a healthier, more sustainable world.
To learn more, explore the GRC Report to the 93rd General Session and the GRC website.
Contact: GRC Secretariat ([email protected])
WOAH has launched the Guidelines Surveillance of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza for Smallholder Poultry Systems in Resource-Limited Settings, providing Veterinary Authorities and Veterinary Services involved in high pathogenicity avian influenza(HPAI) surveillance, as well as wildlife, environmental and public health services, animal diagnostic laboratories and other One Health partners with practical recommendations to assist in designing surveillance programmes for the detection of HPAI virus in smallholder poultry systems (SHPS), tailored to the needs and contexts of resource-limited settings.
What the Guidelines Contain
The guidelines Section 1 showcases the diversity and complexity of SHPS beyond the value chain and highlights the importance of community participation to address issues associated with poultry health and enhance effective disease surveillance programmes in such settings.
Section 2 outlines the main objectives, target audience and the international framework, standards and existing tools that link to this guidance.
Section 3 provides six practical phases for developing a surveillance programme in a participative manner — from defining objectives and mapping poultry systems to choosing methods, setting up communication and reporting pathways, and evaluating performance.
Section 4 focuses on training, including a training of trainers model to strengthen local capacity.
The Annex contains ready-to-use tools, templates, figures and evaluation indicators to help users apply the guidance in the field.
Why Did WOAH Develop These Guidelines?
Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) of the world face several challenges in preventing and responding to avian influenza outbreaks, particularly among smallholder (backyard) poultry farmers. Low-sensitivity surveillance systems in SHPS hinder early detection, thereby increasing the spread of the virus. Furthermore, conventional surveillance programmes often demand substantial and ongoing funding while lacking the flexibility to address the full range of disease surveillance needs in SHPS, particularly where resources are constrained.
In the 90th WOAH General Session in May 2023, following the animal health forum and technical item on avian influenza, Resolution No. 28 was adopted that include the recommendation to support poultry keepers, particularly small holders, in implementing correct usage of disease prevention and control tools, such as enhanced biosecurity, early identification of clinical signs and reporting, to prevent the introduction and spread of HPAI. It was identified as a need to provide Members with practical surveillance guidelines targeting small-scale poultry farmers (backyard), tailored to the local socio-economic context.
To this end, WOAH has published these practical guidelines tailored to local contexts, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the stability of the poultry industry.
How Were the Guidelines Developed?
In 2025, WOAH launched a consultancy to develop these science-based guidelines. They were authored by experts from the Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong and the Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, France.
In April 2025, the first draft underwent peer review by a WOAH ad hoc Group, which provided expert opinions and recommendations while ensuring diverse and regional perspectives were considered. The WOAH Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (SCAD) also reviewed the draft to confirm scientific soundness and alignment with WOAH international standards. Following these reviews and revisions, the guidelines were officially published on the WOAH website (English, French, Spanish) in January 2026.
WOAH encourages users of these guidelines to share their implementation experience and to provide constructive feedback through WOAH Delegates or their representatives, so that this publication can be further refined and adapted to the ever-changing ecology of HPAI viruses, food production systems and surveillance tools.
More information
Recording of the launch webinar on 25 February 2026: Launch of Guidelines on Surveillance of HPAI for Smallholder Poultry Systems in Resource-Limited Settings
Contact: Science and Disease Management Department ([email protected])
Focus Forward Workshop to Help Align UPCVM Curriculum with WOAH Standards
Authors: Dr Armando E. Hoet, Dr Amanda Berrian, Dr Jim Ferrara, Dr Alice Matos, Matt Pugh, Dr Michelle Grace V. Paraso, Dr Jovencio Hubert A. Abalos, Dr Emmanuel P. Hernandez, Dr Fletcher P. Del Valle, Dr Mark Joseph M. Desamero
To ensure that future Filipino veterinarians are globally competent and responsive to emerging animal and public health challenges, the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine (UPCVM) conducted a Focus Forward Workshop [1] to align its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Day-1 Competencies and core curriculum standards.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen veterinary education in South East Asia, UPCVM and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU CVM) hosted a two-day Focus Forward Workshop last year in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The primary purpose of this event was to develop a three-year action plan to help harmonise the UPCVM curriculum with the WOAH Day-1 Competencies. Participants included faculty members, recent graduates, current students and external stakeholders, representing local and national government agencies as well as the private sector. In particular, the event brought together participants from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) of the Department of Agriculture; municipal and city veterinarians from local government units; representatives from key companies like Boehringer Ingelheim and Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines; private veterinary clinics and professional collegial organisations. This workshop represents the latest phase of the ‘Assessment and Implementation of Day-1 Competencies’ (AID-1C) model – a methodology developed during the WOAH Twinning program to systematically evaluate and harmonise veterinary curricula with WOAH Day-1 Competencies [2].
Building veterinary workforce capacity through WOAH Day-1 Competencies
Building a veterinary workforce with the capacity to respond to transboundary and emerging infectious diseases is a focus area of the WOAH Day-1 Competencies critical to global health security. The 2023 WOAH Panorama Bulletin detailed the first two steps of the AID-1C process for UPCVM: ‘Assessment of the proficiency of the VEE’s graduates in Day-1 Competencies using a structured Evaluation Tool’ and ‘A systematic curricular review and evaluation’ [3]. These initial phases critically examined the current curriculum against WOAH’s standards, and a technical report was produced to identify gaps [2]. The AID-1C model’s goal is to ensure that veterinary graduates possess the competencies, deemed essential by WOAH, to contribute effectively to both animal and public health sectors as entry-level professionals within national Veterinary Services. For UPCVM, benchmarking its curriculum against WOAH standards for Day-1 Competencies ensures that its graduates are well prepared not only for the national veterinary workforce but also for international practice and mobility, in alignment with its vision and mission.
A Forward-Looking Approach for Action Plan Development for Curriculum Improvement
The Focus Forward (FF) methodology is designed to help veterinary educational establishments develop customised action plans to improve the veterinary curriculum. [1] The FF methodology uses a structured two-day workshop to foster collaborative problem-solving and solution prioritisation by multiple internal and external stakeholders. The first day of this event is concentrated on presenting the identified gaps regarding Day-1 Competencies in the current veterinary curriculum as determined by previously conducted assessments and evaluations, e.g. AID-1C Evaluation Tool, graduate exit surveys, and other feedback mechanisms. Participants worked in mixed groups to analyse the root causes of these deficiencies and brainstorm practical, innovative solutions tailored to the local context and the institutional realities of the veterinary educational establishment (VEE), which will implement the action plan. The second day is focused on prioritisation and strategic planning. Attendees vote in real-time on the most critical or innovative solutions identified the previous day. This transparent and collective approach to identifying the most successful and sustainable solutions, taking into account local circumstances, contributes to the collaborative development of an action plan that will help UPCVM implement curriculum improvements aligned with WOAH Day-1 Competencies.
Shaping Action Through Stakeholder Input
One of the key strengths of the Focus Forward approach lies in its collaborative and participatory design. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders – recent graduates, current students and faculty, local government representatives, national agency officials and private sector leaders – the workshop ensures that proposed solutions addressed real-world needs and expectations for veterinary services across the Philippines.
One participant stated in the post-event evaluation, ‘I really appreciate that this workshop included faculty, stakeholders, students and other involved individuals! It recognised the importance of connections and collaborations within the veterinary community’. This inclusive process not only validates stakeholder perspectives but also builds shared ownership early on, which is essential for successful implementation.
Toward Action and Impact
The workshop addressed a broad set of challenges ranging from curriculum content and practical training to resource constraints, and graduate professional readiness. Key gaps included insufficient exposure to regulatory frameworks, limited teaching capacity on transboundary, zoonotic and foodborne diseases, inadequate laboratory training opportunities, limited experience in rural practice settings, and low awareness of diverse career pathways.
Participants generated more than 150 possible solutions, with 90 prioritised for strategic planning. Each solution was refined to define preliminary activities, implementation teams, timelines and expected outputs, creating a structured pathway from ideas to measurable results.
Examples of planned activities over the next three years include:
- Expanding training opportunities through partnerships with the public and private sector, enabling students and faculty to access field sites, laboratories, farms and technical expertise that the college cannot provide on its own.
- Co-developing hands-on exercises (e.g. case studies, tabletop exercises) with public and private partners to increase practical application of knowledge and skills in outbreak investigation and response.
- Inviting external experts, from government, industry and specialty colleges to teach topics where faculty experience and expertise are limited and to raise awareness on careers in veterinary medicine.
These initiatives highlight how collaboration, and particularly public-private partnerships, will be central to implementing the action plan. By exchanging resources, expertise and training opportunities, partners can accelerate improvements in both teaching quality and day-1 readiness. Importantly, the workshop itself served as the first step in building this multistakeholder buy‑in, creating momentum for implementation. UPCVM is already preparing to launch the action plan, supported by strong commitment from both the institution and external partners in both the government and the private sector.
Expanding Regional Impact
As a designated ‘hub’ institution for the AID-1C methodology in the region, UPCVM’s technical team plans to support its implementation throughout South East Asian veterinary schools over the coming years, beginning with other veterinary colleges in the Philippines. Strengthening curriculum implementation in the region, particularly with a focus on Day‑1 Competencies, is a critical component of capacity building and supports South East Asia’s broader efforts to modernise veterinary education. This investment supports the Veterinary Services, which are essential for protecting global health and enabling safe international trade.
Learn More: For more information on the Focus Forward methodology and previous workshops conducted across Asia and Africa, read the original WOAH Panorama article: Strengthening Veterinary Education to Safeguard Animal and Public Health
References
1. Hoet, A. E., Matos, A., Carderón, A., Rodríguez, C. M. (2026) From data to action – the Focus Forward methodology: a participatory, multistakeholder approach for solution prioritization and action plan development. Frontiers in education, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1667571
2. Hoet, A. E., Swisher, S., Berrian, A. M., Bessler, A. L., & Grozdic, I. (2024). Assessment and Implementation of WOAH Day 1 Competencies (AID-1C): a cyclical methodology for curriculum harmonization with international standards. Frontiers in veterinary science, 11, 1390779. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1390779
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WOAH has launched the Guidelines Mitigating Disease Transmission Risk at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface to Facilitate Safe Trade, providing Veterinary Services with practical guidance to manage disease transmission risks where wildlife and livestock interact. The guidelines respond directly to Members’ needs to control transboundary animal diseases while maintaining continuity of safe national and international trade.
Why Did WOAH Develop These Guidelines?
Transboundary animal diseases (TADs), such as African swine fever (ASF), avian influenza (AI) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) continue to spread worldwide, with serious consequences for animal health, trade and livelihoods. In many countries where these diseases are endemic, infections can pass between wild and domestic animals, sustaining infection transmission cycles that are difficult to control because of the complex factors and risk pathways involved.
Importantly, for some diseases, WOAH standards allow the recognition of animal health status in effectively separated subpopulations and require that Members do not ban international livestock trade on the sole ground of disease occurrence in wildlife.
In this context, Members have requested WOAH guidance on managing risk at wildlife–livestock interface (WLI) for disease control purposes, while preserving the animal health status of domestic subpopulations for business continuity.
How Were the Guidelines Developed?
In 2024, WOAH launched a consultancy to develop technical guidelines addressing disease management at the wildlife–livestock interface.
The guidelines were authored by Prof. Christian Gortázar, Dr Joaquín Vicente and Dr Ursula Höfle from the Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain—an internationally recognised team with extensive expertise in this field.
In January 2025, the first draft underwent peer review by a WOAH ad hoc Group, which provided expert opinions and recommendations while ensuring that regional perspectives were considered. The WOAH Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (SCAD) also reviewed the draft to confirm scientific soundness and alignment with WOAH international standards. Additionally, the WOAH Working Group on Wildlife was consulted to ensure wildlife-related aspects were accurately addressed.
Following these reviews and revisions, the guidelines were officially published on the WOAH website in December 2025.
How Should the Guidelines Be Used?
The guidelines offer practical approaches for managing disease spillover risk between wildlife and livestock across a wide range of farming systems. They propose a structured methodology enabling Veterinary Services to manage WLI scenarios through customised risk mitigation programmes tailored to local conditions and needs.
Rather than offering prescriptive solutions, the guidelines present a flexible framework for addressing wildlife–livestock interfaces. Case studies and field examples illustrate how risk mitigation measures can be adapted to different epidemiological contexts.
Effective disease risk management must be tailored to local realities, taking into account geography, production systems, wildlife species and the target disease. All interventions should align with WOAH international standards and relevant national regulations.
Their effective use requires a solid background in veterinary sciences, particularly disease epidemiology, and benefits from knowledge of wildlife ecology. A clear understanding of the specific WLI scenario, farming practices and key risk pathways is essential for successful implementation.
WOAH encourages Members to make use of the guidelines to better implement the provisions outlined in the international standards and to share their experiences with the Organisation.
Resources
Recording of the launch webinar on 15 January 2026: Webinar: Launch of Guidelines ‘Mitigating Disease Transmission Risk at the Wildlife – Livestock Interface to Facilitate Safe Trade’ – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health