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This website is designed to guide users through the
area of international treaties, conventions, standards and guidelines
applicable to biotechnology. |
Title: The Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Codes. |
Summary of Provisions:The Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Codes aim to protect animal (and human) health by limiting the spread of animal diseases and pathogens within and between countries without unnecessarily restricting international trade. The Codes provide guidelines on import and export procedures, national and international transport, and laboratory and veterinary practices. The Terrestrial Animal Health Code also provides manufacturing guidelines, vaccine guidelines, and guidelines for other 'biologicals' including genetically modified microorganisms. The Codes are produced by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE - also known as the World Animal Health Organisation). The Codes require that veterinary administrations (national veterinary services) in each Member State carry out monitoring and surveillance, conduct risk analyses, and report any outbreaks of listed diseases to the OIE's Central Bureau (the Codes contain lists of notifiable diseases - 'listed diseases'). The Codes make use of international certification schemes, and a certificate showing that the importing state's disease control requirements have been met must accompany all exports of animals and animal products. Manuals providing information on diagnostic tests for the notifiable diseases are also provided by the OIE. The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement of the World Trade Organisation refers to the standards of the OIE as a legitimate basis for sanitary measures.Summary of Development:The OIE was established in 1924 and has worked to contain and eliminate animal diseases. The Terrestrial Animal Health Code is currently in its 17th Edition (published in 2008); the Aquatic Animal Health Code is in its 11th Edition (published in 2008). Current Status:The OIE has 172 Member States, which are encouraged to apply the Codes. Terrestrial Animal Health Code Related Summaries on the Genomics Gateway Site:Office International des Epizooties Page last updated 26th March 2009. Comments/enquiries to catherine.rhodes-2 'at' manchester.ac.uk |