Enhancing the use and impact of WOAH official animal health status recognition

For three decades, WOAH’s official animal health status recognition has supported Members in advancing disease control, facilitating safe trade, and building confidence in Veterinary Services. As the global animal health and trade environment continues to evolve, WOAH is seeking Members’ perspectives on how official status is used in practice and how its value can be further enhanced. WOAH has therefore launched a survey to capture experiences, challenges, and recommendations from Members holding one or more official statuses.

Since its introduction in 1996, official status recognition has become one of WOAH’s flagship programmes and a cornerstone of its science-based approach to improving animal health and supporting safe trade. Initially established to officially recognise Members or zones free from foot and mouth disease, the procedure has progressively expanded to include additional diseases, reflecting evolving animal health priorities. As the animal health, trade, and regulatory environment continues to evolve, WOAH is undertaking a review to better understand Members’ experiences and identify opportunities to further strengthen the use, impact and international recognition of official status.

Help shape the future of official animal health status recognition

To support this effort and as WOAH marks the 30th anniversary of official animal health status recognition, the Organisation has launched a survey targeting Members that hold at least one official animal health status at Member or zonal level. The survey aims to gather insights on Members’ experiences, including the benefits achieved, challenges encountered, and factors that influence the use and recognition of official status, particularly in the context of international trade and risk management.

Members’ contributions will help inform recommendations to further enhance the value of official status recognition and strengthen its consistent international acceptance and application. The findings will also support the development of practical options to ensure that the programme continues to meet Members’ needs and remains fit for purpose in a changing global environment.

We encourage all eligible Members to participate once they receive the survey invitation. All contributions will help shape the future for WOAH’s official animal health status recognition and ensure that it continues to deliver value to Members and the wider global animal health community.

The survey will remain open until 15 September 2026.