1. Evaluation of National Veterinary Services using
the OIE PVS Tool
World Bank video-conference seminar
Dr. Alain Dehove, OIE-HQ,
Coordinator of the World Animal Health and Welfare Fund

2. SOME KEY FACTS Established in 1924: 172 Members
Intergovernmental Organisation – predates the UN
5 Permanent OIE Regional Representations: Bamako (Mali), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Tokyo (Japan), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Beirut (Lebanon)
4 OIE Sub-Regional Offices: Bangkok (Thailand), Gaborone (Botswana), Panama, Brussels (Belgium)
5 OIE Regional Commissions: Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East 51 13
Briefly introduce the OIE.
Number of Members is growing all the time.
All OIE international standards are adopted by consensus of its Members.
2/3 of the Member Countries and Territories are developing countries. They need support to comply with international standards, achieve food security and economic growth, and participate in international trade.
Geographic balance is important throughout the OIE procedures. 29 51 28

3. ‘The improvement of animal health all around the world’
OIE MANDATE
Historical: ‘To prevent animal diseases
from spreading around the world’
The 4th Strategic Plan 2006/2010 extends the OIE’s global mandate to:
‘The improvement of animal health all around the world’
This new broader OIE mandate can only be achieved with Good Governance of the Veterinary Services worldwide.

4. OIE OBJECTIVES ANIMAL HEALTH INFORMATION
to ensure transparency in the global animal disease and zoonosis situation
to collect, analyse and disseminate scientific veterinary information
[source :
Objective 1:
Ensure transparency in the global animal disease situation
“Each Member undertakes to report the listed animal diseases in its territory. The OIE disseminates the information to other countries, which can take the necessary preventive action. This information includes diseases transmissible to humans (zoonoses) and the results of intentional introduction of pathogens. Information is sent out immediately or periodically as defined by the OIE. Dissemination is via the OIE Web site, (on a permanent basis) and the following periodicals: Disease Information, published weekly, and the annual World Animal Health.
Collect, analyse and disseminate veterinary scientific information
The OIE collects and analyses the latest scientific information on animal disease control. This information is then made available to the Members to help them to improve the methods used to control and eradicate these diseases. Guidelines are prepared by the network of about 200 OIE Collaborating Centres and Reference Laboratories across the world.
Scientific information is also disseminated through various works and periodicals published by the OIE, notably the Scientific and Technical Review (3 issues a year).

5. OIE OBJECTIVES INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
to promulgate health standards for the safety of international trade in animals and animal products and animal disease surveillance (within its WTO mandate)
to contribute to food safety and food security
and to promote animal welfare, through a science-based approach
[source :
Objective 2:
Sanitary safety
Safeguard world trade by publishing health standards for international trade in animals and animal products
The OIE develops normative documents relating to rules that Members can use to protect themselves from the introduction of diseases and pathogens, without setting up unjustified sanitary barriers. The main normative works produced by the OIE are: the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, the Aquatic Animal Health Code and the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals.
OIE standards are recognised by the World Trade Organization as referenced in the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). They are prepared by internationally renowned scientists, most of whom are experts within the network of about 200 Collaborating Centres and Reference Laboratories. These standards are presented by elected Specialist Commissions and adopted by the International Committee.

6. OIE OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES OF VETERINARY SERVICES
to provide expertise and encourage international solidarity in the control of animal diseases
to improve the legal framework and resources of national Veterinary Services
[source :
Objective 3: To provide expertise and encourage international solidarity in the control of animal diseases
“The OIE provides technical support to Members requesting assistance with animal disease control and eradication operations, including diseases transmissible to humans. The OIE notably offers expertise to the poorest countries to help them control animal diseases that cause livestock losses, present a risk to public health and threaten other Members.
The OIE has a permanent contact to international regional and national financial organizations in order to encourage them to invest in the improvement of control of animal diseases and zoonosis.”
If appropriate, mention;
Veterinary Services are a Global Public Good
with beneficial effects for:
Poverty Alleviation
Securing assets (capital, animal)
Increasing productivity
Market Access: local, regional and international
Public Health: food safety and food security
PVS concept linked with these objectives

7. OIE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Official references of the World Trade Organisation SPS Agreement
Adopted by consensus of OIE Members
Terrestrial Animal Health Code
mammals, birds and bees - Available at:
Details of these chapters will appear later.
Chapter Evaluation of Veterinary Services
Chapter Guidelines for the Evaluation of VS

8. Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services

9. LEGAL BASIS (OIE Terrestrial Code)
from Article
The purpose of evaluation may be
to assist a national authority in the decision-making process regarding priorities for its own Veterinary Services (self-evaluation)
to assist the process of risk analysis in international trade… to which official sanitary and/or zoosanitary controls apply.

10. USE OF OIE-PVS Tool
Self-evaluation performed by internal and/or OIE experts
for the purpose of assessing the performance of Veterinary Services
… process reviewed on a regular basis to monitor improvements
Countries are encouraged to use OIE-PVS tool in continuously monitoring the performance and improvement on veterinary services in partnership with private stakeholders.

11. USE OF OIE-PVS Tool
An independent evaluation that provides a strong legitimization of a request for national and/or international financing
or other requests (e.g. legislative / re-organisation / public-private partnerships)
The impartial and independent evaluation of veterinary services by certified OIE assessors has gained the recognition of donors and international organisations as the official evaluation of veterinary services.

12. USE OF OIE-PVS Tool
Major donors have accepted the use of the OIE PVS Tool and the criteria in the Code on the evaluation of performance and priorities of VS, as a prerequisite and a key guide in helping countries make requests for investment
The impartial and independent evaluation of veterinary services by certified OIE assessors has gained the recognition of donors and international organisations as the official evaluation of veterinary services.

13. OUTPUT OF OIE-PVS Tool
Gap identification and Gap Analysis (legitimacy of the request and leverage effect):
… national use for self improvement and national budget applications;
… external use for financial support;
… use for credibility in international trade.

14. OIE Tool for the Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services
OIE PVS TOOL
OIE Tool for the Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services
Briefly explain OIE PVS Tool as follows:
This tool covers all the topics relevant to official veterinary services, as defined in the Terrestrial Code. The evaluation is not an audit or inspection in the traditional sense, for example as employed by importing countries as a prerequisite to establishing trade conditions. Rather it allows for the visiting team and the host country to conduct a joint review taking account of the local situation and coherent with the goals and objectives of the host country.
This is quite new and different from other evaluations and audits. The goal is to identify gaps in performance in relation to the OIE standards on quality and prioritise actions to improve performance in these areas.
The PVS is an agreed international procedure that has been accepted by OIE Members. It embodies a positive approach, working in partnership with the host country so that there is ownership of the report by the country evaluated.
It is systematically used on a voluntary basis and at the request of OIE Members.

15. 4 fundamental components critical competencies (6 - 12)
OIE PVS TOOL
PVS
4 fundamental components
critical competencies (6 - 12)
5 levels of advancement
Introduce structure of OIE PVS Tool

16. Level 5 full compliance with OIE standards
OIE PVS TOOL
5 levels of advancement (qualitative) for each critical competency
Level 1 no compliance
Level 5 full compliance with OIE standards
A higher level assumes compliance with all preceding levels

17. OIE PVS TOOL
6 to 12 critical competencies in each fundamental component
overall 41 critical competencies
i.e. 205 possible indications on levels

18. OIE PVS TOOL 4 FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENTS
I - Human, physical and financial resources
II - Technical authority and capability
III - Interaction with stakeholders
IV - Access to markets

19. Critical competencies
I - HUMAN, PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Professional and technical staffing of the Veterinary Services
Competencies of veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals
Continuing education
Technical independence
Stability of structures and sustainability of policies
Coordination capability of the sectors and institutions of the Veterinary Services
Physical resources
Funding
Contingency and compensatory funding
Capability to invest and develop

20. Critical competencies
II - TECHNICAL AUTHORITY AND CAPABILITY
Veterinary laboratory diagnosis
Laboratory Quality Assurance
Risk analysis
Quarantine and border security
Epidemiological surveillance
Early detection and emergency response
Disease prevention, control and eradication
Veterinary public health and food safety
Veterinary medicines and veterinary biologicals
Residue testing
Emerging issues
Technical innovation

21. Critical competencies
III - INTERACTION WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Communications
Consultation with stakeholders
Official representation
Accreditation / Authorisation / Delegation
Veterinary Statutory Body
Participation of producers and other stakeholders in joint programmes

22. Critical competencies
IV - ACCESS TO MARKETS
Preparation of legislation and regulations, and implementation of regulations
Stakeholder compliance with legislation and regulations
International harmonisation
International certification
Equivalence and other types of sanitary agreements
Traceability
Transparency
Zoning
Compartmentalisation

23. OIE PVS TOOL Critical competency II-4 Quarantine and border security
Example
Critical competency II-4
Quarantine and border security
Definition:
‘The authority and capability of the VS to prevent the entry and spread of diseases and other hazards of animals and animal products’

24. OIE PVS TOOL Example Levels of advancement
The VS cannot apply any type of quarantine or border security procedures for animal or animal products with their neighbouring countries or trading partners.
The VS can establish and apply quarantine and border security procedures; however, these are generally based neither on international standards nor on a risk analysis.

25. OIE PVS TOOL Example Levels of advancement
The VS can establish and apply quarantine and border security procedures based on international standards, but the procedures do not systematically address illegal activities relating to the import of animals and animal products.
The VS can establish and apply quarantine and border security procedures which systematically address legal pathways and illegal activities.

26. OIE PVS TOOL Example Levels of advancement
The VS work with their neighbouring countries and trading partners to establish, apply and audit quarantine and border security procedures which systematically address all risks identified.

27. Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis
Example
II. 1
Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis
Disease diagnosis is almost always conducted by clinical means only, with laboratory diagnostic capability being generally unavailable. 1
For major zoonoses and diseases of national economic importance, the VS have access to and use a laboratory to obtain a correct diagnosis 2
For other zoonoses and diseases present in the country, the VS have access to and use a laboratory to obtain a correct diagnosis. 3
For diseases of zoonotic or economic importance not present in the country, but known to exist in the region and/ or that could enter the country, the VS have access to and use a laboratory to obtain a correct diagnosis 4
In the case of new and emerging diseases in the region or world, the VS have access to and use a network of national or international reference laboratories (e.g. an OIE Reference Laboratory) to obtain a correct diagnosis. 5

28. OIE PVS APPROACH External independent evaluation
Upon request of the country
according to its context
To assess
Compliance with OIE Standards
Strengths / Weaknesses
Gaps / areas for improvement
Not an audit, not an inspection
Explain key aspects of the OIE PVS approach and steps in the OIE PVS evaluation

29. OIE PVS APPROACH Harmonised training of PVS experts
(May 06; July 06; Feb. 07 and Feb. 08)
190 PVS experts trained to date
66 have done at least one PVS evaluation
Geographical balance
Four languages: EN; FR; SP + Russian
All using same PVS procedure, Manual of the Assessor, PVS Tool and Indicators
… and Chinese

30. OIE PVS APPROACH
66 PVS experts have done at least one PVS evaluation, of which:
- 14 experts from Africa;
- 17 from Americas;
- 6 from Asia;
- 26 from Europe;
- and 3 from the Middle East.
66 = approx. 50% of those trained before February 2008 (last training session)

31. OIE PVS APPROACH Experts trained and certified by the OIE
Assessment based on facts & evidence, not impressions
Donors have accepted the OIE PVS official procedure in the evaluation of the performance of Veterinary Services
A prerequisite and a guide in helping countries request national and/or international financial support needed to make improvements

32. PVS Evaluation Teams
PVS Teams composed of experts recognized by the OIE:
One PVS Team leader
1 or 2 PVS Expert(s)
Possibly 1 Observer / Facilitator

33. STEPS IN THE OIE-PVS EVALUATION
Official request from the OIE Delegate to the OIE (sine qua non condition)
Proposal of dates and PVS Team
Acceptance of mission by the Country
PVS Evaluation mission
Draft PVS Country Report
OIE Peer review (PVS experts)
PVS evaluation is organised by the OIE and conducted by the OIE Central Bureau working in collaboration with PVS experts. The logistical support of OIE regional and sub-regional offices is also necessary. The objective is to harmonize the approach, using peer reviewers, to all PVS reports, ensuring that the report prepared by the evaluation team meets the OIE standard for such reports and is consistent with the OIE framework.
The peer reviewer is not requested to change the findings or conclusions of the report; rather, he/she is asked to ensure that the report is made in accordance with OIE procedures and is written in a clear, logical and coherent manner. The peer review is an important element in the transparency of the PVS procedures. Agreement on the final draft report is sought between team leader and peer reviewer.

34. STEPS IN THE OIE-PVS EVALUATION
Country agreement/comments on the draft report
Final PVS Country report confidential until this stage
… for release only if agreed
PVS Gap Analysis
Preparation of investment programmes (national and international channels)
PVS evaluation is organised by the OIE and conducted by the OIE Central Bureau working in collaboration with PVS experts. The logistical support of OIE regional and sub-regional offices is also necessary. The objective is to harmonize the approach, using peer reviewers, to all PVS reports, ensuring that the report prepared by the evaluation team meets the OIE standard for such reports and is consistent with the OIE framework.
The peer reviewer is not requested to change the findings or conclusions of the report; rather, he/she is asked to ensure that the report is made in accordance with OIE procedures and is written in a clear, logical and coherent manner. The peer review is an important element in the transparency of the PVS procedures. Agreement on the final draft report is sought between team leader and peer reviewer.

35. 50 OIE PVS Evaluations (to date)
OIE Regions
OIE Members
Country Requests received
PVS Missions done
Draft Reports received
Africa 51 33 26 23
Americas 29 9 8 7
Asia & Pacific 28 10 6
Europe
Middle East 13 3 2
Total
172 68 50 44

36. 50 OIE PVS Evaluations (to date) Financed by the OIE World Fund
Africa: countries
Americas: countries
Asia-Pacific: 6 countries
Europe: countries
Middle East: 3 countries

37. 16 (+ 3) OIE PVS Reports available (to date)
Africa (9): Algeria; Benin; Burundi; Côte d’Ivoire; Guinea; Lesotho; Madagascar; Malawi; Uganda
Americas (2): Brazil; Costa Rica
Asia (3): Laos; Mongolia; Vietnam
Europe (1): Kyrgyz Republic
Middle East (1): Yemen

38. Main Gaps identified (to date)
(i) Overall, legislations and regulations related to animal disease prevention and control are very often outdated, very incomplete, obsolete or even non-existent in some cases. This undermines any programme directed towards early detection and rapid response mechanisms;

39. Main Gaps identified (to date)
(ii) Public-Private partnerships are often still in their infancy, if not non-existent. Complementarities and synergies between official veterinarians, private practitioners and farmers represent a field of improvement to improve implementation of early detection and rapid response;

40. Main Gaps identified (to date)
(iii) Sustainable operational budgets for Veterinary Services are insufficient and very far below the pro rata contribution of animal farming activities to the national GDPs or inadequate when compared to the livestock population of the country;

41. Main Gaps identified (to date)
(iv) Staff resources and staff education and training (initial training as well as continuing education) are a source of concern in almost every country evaluated. In some countries the length of initial veterinary education is less than 2 years (world standards ~6 years).

42. Main Gaps identified (to date)
(v) Laboratory capacity is also a weak point, both at national and at regional (sub-continental) level.
Conditions of collection and of shipment of biological samples to the laboratories are a limiting factor working against early detection and confirmation of animal diseases.
Laboratory capacity is also a weak point, both at national and at regional (sub-continental) level.
This is not only due to a lack of adequate equipments; this is also a management, personnel training and budgetary issue.
The procurement of modern equipments, often not adapted to local conditions (no water, no electricity), rarely settles it all.
Conditions of collection and of shipment of biological samples to the laboratories are also a limiting factor working against early detection and confirmation of animal diseases.”

43. AI Rapid Assessments - INAPs
“Regarding animal health issues, two aspects need to be differentiated:
(i) those referring specifically to Veterinary Services that will be analyzed by an expert certified by OIE and
(ii) those involving all other aspects of livestock and animal heath that will be addressed by the FAO-livestock specialist in collaboration with an expert from AU-IBAR”

44. AI Rapid Assessments - INAPs
“The OIE-certified expert will be responsible for the assessment of Veterinary Services, using the PVS tool, particularly in relation to the country’s preparedness and capacity to respond to and control an avian influenza outbreak.”

45. AI Rapid Assessments Financed by the WB
(PVS status)
Congo B. (?) -
Niger (PVS)
Malawi (PVS Report)
Zambia (PVS)
Mauritania (with INAP) (PVS done)
PVS = PVS requested (officially)
PVS done = Evaluation mission done, report not finalised yet
PVS Report = Report available for Donors and Partners

46. AI Rapid Assessments / INAPs Financed by the WB - AHI Facility
(PVS status)
Liberia -
Mozambique (PVS done)
Sierra Leone -
Uganda (PVS Report)
PVS = PVS requested (officially)
PVS done = Evaluation mission done, report not finalised yet
PVS Report = Report available for Donors and Partners

47. AI Rapid Assessments / INAPs Financed by the ALive Platform
Benin (PVS Report)
Burkina Faso (PVS done)
Eritrea -
Guinea C. (PVS Report)
Lesotho (PVS Report)
Madagascar (PVS Report)
Sudan (PVS)
Senegal (PVS done)
Togo (PVS done)
PVS = PVS requested (officially)
PVS done = Evaluation mission done, report not finalised yet
PVS Report = Report available for Donors and Partners

48. Good Governance of Vet Services
OIE/FAO programme on
Good Governance
(last updated in
September 2007)

49. Thank you for your attention
Any questions?
Thank you for your attention

50. 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France - www.oie.int – oie@oie.int
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale
World Organisation for Animal Health
Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal
12 rue de Prony, Paris, France - –