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.

    Introduction

    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 the 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 GroupsStatusToRYear 2023
    Animal Semen: Chapter 4.7.Terrestrial CodeE 
    Biosecurity: New Chapter 4.XEYes2-4 May
    BSE (impact assessment)EYes
    BSE (surveillance guidelines)E
    Code Chapters 5.4 to 5.7 RevisionEYes13-15 Jun
    Contagious equine metritis and equine piroplasmosisE
    Emergency disease preparedness and disease outbreak managementE Yes
    International Standard Bovine Tuberculin (ISBT)E
    PVS Evaluation with ASF specific content methodologyE
    Rift Valley feverE 
    SARS Covid-2EYes
    Slaughter and killing of animals for disease control purposesE Yes5-7 June
    Status evaluation on AHSE26-28 Sept
    Status evaluation on BSEE 3-5 Oct
    Status evaluation on CBPPE5-7 Dec
    Status evaluation on CSFE7-9 Nov
    Status evaluation on FMDE23-26 Oct
    Status evaluation on PPRE17-19 Oct
    Status evaluation on dog mediated rabiesE3-5 Oct
    Surra and DourineE YesJuly
    Susceptibility of crustaceans species to WOAH listed diseasesEYes14, 21, 23 Mar
    Susceptibility of fish species to infection with WOAH listed diseasesE Yes12, 13, 19 Apr
    Susceptibility of mollusc species to infection with WOAH listed diseasesE Yes6-8 June
    Sustainable laboratoriesE  
    Technical Reference for listing antimicrobial agents of importance in bovine animalsEYes27-28 Apr
    Technical Reference for listing antimicrobial agents of importance in cats and dogsEYes25-26 Apr
    Veterinary EmergenciesEYes6-9 Mar
    Wildlife trade and marketsE
    *E = Established AHG; P = Planned and open for nomination of experts.

    Terms of Reference and Internal rules for Working Groups and ad hoc Groups

    Terrestrial Animals

    Reports from ad hoc Groups on Terrestrial Animals

    Disease specific

    Other terrestrial animal related subjects

    Aquatic Animals

    Reports from ad hoc Groups on Aquatic Animals

    Disease specific

    Other aquatic animal related subjects

    Animal Welfare

    Report of ad hoc Groups on animal welfare

    Antimicrobial Resistance

    Reports from ad hoc Groups on Antimicrobial resistance

    Official Status

    Evaluation for official status and endorsement of control programmes

    Others

    Reports from ad hoc Groups on other subjects