New countries obtained official recognition for their animal health status
The animal health status is the milestone for the nation animal health improving, for any country animal disease is a challenge, the veterinary authorities in each country tries to keep the animal health in the acceptable level. The world organization for animal health, play a major role in helping countries to overcome health of animals.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides a framework for its Members countries to apply for the (official recognition of animal health status ) for six priority diseases on a voluntary basis. This recognition is very important for supporting national livestock health and economies as it facilitates regional and international trade of animals and their products.
World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) , in a report published on its site, that In 2024, five countries obtained official recognition for their animal health status:
- Azerbaijan was declared free of Pest Des Petits Ruminants (PPR);
- Czech Republic and Norway achieved free status for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP);
- Egypt was recognised as free from African Horse Sickness (AHS);
- Liechtenstein was declared free of Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) without practicing vaccination.
The report indicate that , these accomplishments represent strong progress in the global fight against highly contagious livestock diseases. The official recognition of these statuses not only acknowledges the effective disease control, prevention and early detection measures implemented by these countries but also enhances their access to regional and international markets.
Member countries can also submit their official control programmes for four diseases for WOAH’s assessment. During 2023, Zambia received the endorsement of its official control programme for (dog-mediated rabies) , preceded by Namibia and the Philippines in 2022. This achievement is a significant step forward in combating a disease that still causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. These countries’ efforts contribute to the ‘Zero by 30’ global goal to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) mentioned that the recognition of animal health status by WOAH not only underscores the achievements of individual countries in disease control, but also plays a pivotal role in promoting safe trade of animal goods and improving the livelihoods of those dependent on the livestock sector
