World Organisation for Animal Health

OVERVIEW

Overview

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1924, originally known as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). It was created to improve global animal health and combat the spread of animal diseases across borders. WOAH’s mission centres on transparency, scientific cooperation and international solidarity in animal health governance.

Mission and focus areas

WOAH aims to improve animal health and welfare worldwide while supporting public health, food security and sustainable development. Its core focus areas include prevention and control of animal diseases, management of zoonotic risks, antimicrobial resistance, and animal welfare standards. While not a finance-focused body, WOAH’s work underpins ESG integration by addressing biodiversity loss, biosecurity risks, food system resilience and public health externalities relevant to sustainable finance and long-term value creation.

Structure and governance

WOAH operates through a formal multilateral governance structure. Its highest authority is the World Assembly of Delegates, comprising representatives from each Member Country or Territory. The organisation is led by a Director General and supported by elected specialist commissions, scientific working groups and regional offices. This structure enables coordinated standard setting, technical guidance and capacity building across diverse national veterinary systems.

Programs and offerings

WOAH produces internationally recognised standards, including the Terrestrial Animal Health Code and Aquatic Animal Health Code, which inform global trade and biosecurity frameworks. It manages the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), a global disease surveillance platform providing timely data on animal health events. Additional offerings include scientific reports, guidelines, training programs, global conferences and technical assistance to member governments. These resources are widely used by policymakers, regulators, researchers and sustainability practitioners assessing systemic risks linked to animal health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.

MISSION STATEMENT

Mission

Our mission is to improve animal health globally, thereby ensuring a better future for all.

ORGANISATION TYPE

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations

YEAR ESTABLISHED

1924

LOCATION

France, Global

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY WORLD ORGANISATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH

The Quadripartite Joint Offer: A call for targeted One Health investment

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations - United Nations Environment Programme - World Organisation for Animal Health - World Health Organization (WHO)

26 September 2025

This advocacy document calls for targeted investment in the One Health Joint Plan of Action. The Quadripartite collaboration proposes a Joint Offer to support at least ten countries over five years, strengthening governance, multisectoral coordination, and sustainable financing to prevent and control global health risks effectively.

Financial and economic returns to investing in One Health: Evidence and future directions

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations - World Organisation for Animal Health - World Health Organization (WHO)

6 November 2026

This research examines the financial case for investing in One Health to mitigate global health threats. It highlights how integrated approaches reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Through various global case studies, the report demonstrates significant economic returns and provides a strategic blueprint for future sustainable investment.

Food systems and antimicrobial resistance: Impacts on food safety, animal production and trade

World Organisation for Animal Health

1 January 2025

This report examines the impact of antimicrobial resistance in food systems on public health, animal production, and international trade. It highlights the role of food-borne pathogens and commensal bacteria in transmitting resistance, evaluates risk analysis models, and recommends enhanced surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and standardisation of global trade regulations.

Forecasting the fallout from AMR: Economic impacts of antimicrobial resistance in humans

The World Bank - RAND Europe - Animal Industry Data - Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation - Center for Global Development (CGD) - World Organisation for Animal Health - United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care (UK DHSC)

25 September 2024

This report analyses AMR's economic impacts, projecting US$159 billion annual health costs by 2050 in business-as-usual scenario. Interventions like better treatment and new antibiotics could save US$97 billion in costs, add US$960 billion to GDP, at US$63 billion yearly cost with 281 ROI.