Ad hoc groups

An ad hoc Group is convened at the initiative of the Director General to provide expert advice on a topic as defined by the Terms of Reference. The ad hoc Group reports are considered by the relevant Specialist Commission or Director General. An ad hoc Group usually comprises six internationally recognised experts and take into consideration geographical representation and gender balance.

Nomination of experts

Delegates may nominate experts for specific ad hoc Groups, in particular for those that are in the planning phase not yet formally established. Delegates are also invited to consult the Commission’s work plan to identify potential upcoming area of work. Delegates may send the name(s) of the expert(s) via email to [email protected]. However, experts must submit their relevant information by filling out this form. This information will be considered but does not guarantee that the expert will be selected. It will assist WOAH in establishing a database of internationally recognised experts.

Ad hoc Group reports

Ad hoc Group reports published since 2016 can be accessed from the menu on the top of this page. To access reports prior to July 2016, please refer to reports of the relevant WOAH Specialist Commission available here.

Ad hoc Group meeting schedule

The schedule for upcoming ad hoc Group meetings is presented below.

Ad hoc Groups	Status	ToR	Year 2026
First meeting of the ad hoc group on the evolution of WOAH Competency and Curriculum Guidelines for Graduating Veterinarians (Day 1 Graduates)	E	Yes	30 March 2026
3rd meeting of the ad hoc Group on Emerging Threats for Animals	P	Yes	24-26 March 2026
Revamping of the Register of Diagnostic Kits	E	Yes	26 January 2026
Prioritisation of diseases for which vaccines could reduce global antimicrobial use in animals	E	Yes	18-20 Feb 2026
Harmonisation of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring programmes *(Revision of Terrestrial Code* Chapter 6.8)**	E	Yes	21-22 April 2026
*General recommendations on disinfection and disinsection (Revision of the Terrestrial Code* Chapter 4.14.)**	E	Yes	5-7 May 2026
Certification *(Revision of Chapters 5.1. and 5.2. for the Terrestrial* and Aquatic Code)**	P	Yes	16-18 June 2026
West Nile Fever *(Revision of the Terrestrial Code* Chapter 8.21.)**	E	Yes	23-25 June 2026
Susceptibility of amphibians species to WOAH listed diseases	E	Yes	4-6 August 2026
*Infection with peste des petits ruminants virus (Revision of Terrestrial Code* Chapter 14.7. )**	P		7-9 July 2026
Recommendations for national incident management systems	E		2nd half of the year
Status evaluation on FMD	P	Yes	13-15 Oct 2026
Status evaluation on Rabies	P	Yes	20-22 Oct 2026
Status evaluation on BSE	P	Yes	28-30 Sept 2026
Status evaluation on AHS	P	Yes	9-10 Nov 2026
Status evaluation on CBPP	P	Yes	9-10 Nov 2026
Status evaluation on PPR	P	Yes	20-22 Oct 2026
Status evaluation on CSF	P	Yes	17-19 Nov 2026
Zoning	E		6-10 Oct 2026
Equine Passport	P		3-5 Nov 2026
*Animal welfare at the time of killing for purposes other than slaughter (Revision of Terrestrial Code* Chapter 7.6. )**	E	Yes	Oct/Nov
Animal Welfare during transport of animals by sea and by land (Revision of Terrestrial Code Chapters 7.2., 7.3. and 7.4)	E	Yes	Oct/Nov