1. OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS
Dr Bernard Vallat
Director General
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2. Contents Context of the conference OIE 5th Strategic Plan
OIE role in aquatic animal health
Objectives and expectations
Desired outcomes of the conference

3. Global demand for food security
Population growth: +1 billion people by 2050
Shift from poverty to middle-class
Increase in the number of daily meals and the protein intake of individuals
Some projections indicate that the demand for animal protein will increase by 50%
especially in developing countries

4. Aquaculture and food security
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food producing sector (annual 8.4% p.a. since 1970)
Aquaculture provides high quality animal protein
Animal health, food security and public health are linked
To satisfy the global demand for protein-based foods, aquatic animal production must be intensified
Aquaculture development brings new aquatic animal disease risks and threats to the environment
Aquatic animal diseases represent a major limitation to efficient aquaculture production and a constraint on international trade;

5. Aquaculture: particular challenges
Countries need efficient aquatic animal health programmes to increase production of safe products in an environmentally sustainable way and to participate in international trade;
Veterinarians and other health professionals play a key role in the establishment and implementation of aquatic animal health programs; but resources and qualified/skilled professionals are often lacking
Aquatic Animal Health Services, whether part of the Veterinary Services or not, frequently lack financial resources and infrastructure, including legislation, to implement efficient aquatic animal health programs.

6. The ‘Global Public Good’ Concept
The benefits of control and eradication of infectious diseases, are international and inter­generational in scope.
Countries depend on each other – the failure of one endangers all
Animal health systems are not a strictly commercial or agricultural good. They are fully eligible for national and global public resources
Supporting animal health systems:
a national and global priority

7. Good Governance: for all countries
Competent Authorities need adequate infrastructure (including modern legislation) and resources to support effective implementation of animal health systems in the national territory, notably to address:
Disease surveillance, early detection, transparency
Rapid response to disease outbreaks
Biosecurity measures
Compensation
Deregulation and lack of sustainable funding for veterinary services and aquatic animal health services can lead to biological disasters

8. 5th OIE Strategic Plan (2011-2015)
Animal Health systems are a global public good
Global public goods > benefit all countries, people and generations
One World-One Health (OWOH)
A global strategy for cooperation in managing risks at the animal-human interface
Relation between animal health, animal production and the environment
Need to gain a clearer understanding of the link between animals and the environment.

9. 5th OIE Strategic Plan: Key concepts
Food Security and Food Safety
Increasing demand for a global supply of safe food
Food security, especially the supply of affordable high quality protein, is a key public health concern
Animal health programs contribute to food security and food safety
Veterinary Services and aquatic animal health services play a key role in meeting societal expectations.
Standard Setting
The OIE is the unique global organisation setting science-based standards and guidelines for animal health (including zoonoses), animal welfare and animal production food safety

10. 5th Strategic Plan: Key concepts
Animal welfare: a strategic engagement
Animal health is a key component of animal welfare
OIE, with the mandate of its Members, is recognised globally as the leader in setting international animal welfare standards
Veterinary education
High quality veterinarians play an essential role in society
Need for standardisation of the veterinary diploma, both initial and continuing education
The OIE role in developing standards, including for aquatic animal health, progressed through OIE Global Conferences (Paris 2009 and Lyon 2011).

11. 5th Strategic Plan: Key concepts
Good Governance of Veterinary Services and Aquatic Animal Health Services (AAHS)
Members need appropriate infrastructure to support implementation of national animal health programmes throughout the territory
Governments have the overall authority and responsibility
Alliances between public and private sectors (veterinarians, farmers, consumers)
OIE standards for efficient Veterinary and AAHS Services
Using the OIE PVS Pathway
Role of the Veterinary Statutory Body setting standards for the practice of veterinary medicine.

12. The OIE role in standard setting
The ‘3 sisters’
food safety
CODEX
plant health
IPPC
animal health and zoonoses
OIE
The WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) .
WTO SPS Agreement recognises OIE as a reference organisation for international standards on animal health including zoonoses 12

13. Publication of international standards
Aquatic Animal Health Code
amphibians, crustaceans, fish and molluscs
Manual of Diagnostic Tests
for Aquatic Animals
Official reference of the WTO SPS Agreement
Adopted by consensus of OIE Members
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available on the
OIE Website

14. International standards
Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission oversees production of the Aquatic Code and Aquatic Manual;
1st edition of the Aquatic Code and Manual produced in 1995;
Recent developments include Code chapters on:
welfare of farmed fish
prudent use of antimicrobial agents in aquatic animals
criteria for safety of aquatic animal commodities
control of hazards in feed
New listing of two diseases of amphibians 14

15. International standards: antimicrobial use
There is an urgent need to address the issues associated with antimicrobial use in aquatic animals
Very few effective compounds have been developed and authorised for use in aquatic animals
Use in aquatic animals involves the deliberate introduction of these chemicals into the food chain and the environment
Uncontrolled use can lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria, which reduces the therapeutic value of antimicrobials…leading to
Public perception of a “drug-based” industry and consumer aversion to aquaculture products. 15

16. International standards: antimicrobial use
The OIE recognises that this issue has important implications for human health, animal health and the environment
We are developing standards and recommendations to Members through an ad hoc Group on Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquatic Animals
The Chair of the ad hoc Group will make a presentation at this conference on the steps that need to be taken to manage these risks. 16

17. Consultation on standards development
Increasing numbers of Members engage in standard development by submitting comments on draft texts
Experts are drawn from OIE reference centres and from all regions to participate in OIE ad hoc Groups, which report to Working Groups (Animal Welfare, Wildlife and Animal Production Food Safety) and/or Elected Commissions
Creation of National Aquatic Animal Focal Points (AAFP), under the authority of the National Delegate, help to strengthen engagement and implementation of standards
to date, 147 Members have nominated AAFP. 17

18. OIE global partnerships
The OIE has cooperative agreements with 51 global and regional organisations, most of which mainly focus on terrestrial animals, with some exceptions.

19. OIE DISEASE REPORTING: LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Chapter 1.1 Aquatic Code
‘Notification of Diseases and Epidemiological Information’
Article 1.1.2
Members shall make available to other Members, through the OIE, whatever information is necessary to minimise the spread of important animal diseases and to assist in achieving better worldwide control of these diseases

20. TRANSPARENCY: WAHIS

21. WAHIS: terrestrial and aquatic diseases (2009)

22. TRANSPARENCY: WAHID PUBLIC INTERFACE
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23. The OIE’s scientific excellence
Reference Laboratories
May 2011
Store and distribute reference reagents
Develop, perform and validate diagnostic tests
Coordinate scientific and technical studies
Organise laboratory proficiency testing
190 Reference laboratories
101 diseases or topics (34 aquatic diseases)
161 experts (team leaders)

24. The OIE’s scientific excellence
Collaborating Centres
May 2011
Assist in the development of procedures to harmonise animal disease regulations/international standards Coordinate studies Provide technical training Organise and host scientific meetings for the OIE
37 Collaborating Centres in 21 countries
35 topics (2 aquatic animal issues)
37 experts (team leaders)

25. OIE support to Members Objectives of the OIE Twinning Program
Better global geographical coverage - focus on developing and transition countries
Regional support for early diagnosis and reporting of listed diseases
Improved access for more countries to scientific expertise and to participate in OIE standard setting process.
HOWEVER:
Only 1 / 30 current projects addresses aquatic animal disease

26. OIE support to Members OIE PVS Pathway:
Collaborating with governments, stakeholders and donors
Veterinary Services
Strategic Plan
Modernisation
of legislation
Public/private
Partnerships
Evaluation PVS
« diagnosis »
PVS Gap Analysis
« prescription»
PVS Follow-Up
Evaluation mission
Country / Donors
Investment / Projects
Veterinary
Education
OIE is developing pilot PVS processes (Evaluation/Gap Analysis/Follow up) to include stronger collaboration with the PH sector
There are several core competencies of the Veterinary Services (VS) for which close collaboration with public health (PH) partners in the country is necessary and/or beneficial to the efforts of the VS and their contribution to Veterinary Public Health
In particular, a high degree of collaboration and cooperation is needed in some general areas to achieve the maximum benefits for animal and public health, e.g.
Food safety
Endemic zoonotic diseases
Emerging infectious diseases (many are zoonotic)
Basic Principles of the One Health PVS Activities
Conducted at the request of the country
Remains focused on the activities and competencies of the National Veterinary Services
National Public Health participation in PVS Mission expected
VS would identify the Public Health participants and their participation
Process(es) are being piloted
Laboratories

27. PVS Pathway: first (diagnostic) step
External independent evaluation (objectivity)
Experts trained and certified by the OIE
Based on facts & evidence, not impressions
Not an audit
Voluntary, at request of a country
Report confidential unless country decides to release it
To assess:
Compliance with OIE standards
Strengths / Weaknesses/ Gaps / areas for improvement
Peer reviewed
Recognised by international donors
Provides strong arguments for investment by governments/donors

28. PVS Evaluation missions State of play – 06/06/2011
OIE Regions
OIE Members
PVS Requests
Missions done
Reports available
Africa 52 50 44 35
Americas 29 22 20 16
Asia & Pacific 31 18 14 11
Europe 53 13 10
Middle East 12 5
Total
178
116
102 77 28

29. PVS Gap Analysis: prescriptive step
Analysis Budget - -
Trade
Trade
Trade
Animal
Health
Animal
Animal
Veterinary
Public
Health
Veterinary
Laboratories
Veterinary
Veterinary
Management
Management and Regulatory Services
Health
Health
Laboratories
Laboratories of
Veterinary
Services
(8 cards)
(5 cards)
(4 cards)
(2 cards)
(21 cards)
Cost Estimation Cards
Trade1
Trade8
AH1
AH1
AH5
AH5
VPH1
VPH1
VPH4
VPH4
Lab1
Lab1
Lab2
Lab2
MVS1
MVS1
MVS21
MVS21

30. PVS Pathway and Aquatic Animal Health Services
OIE PVS Pathway is a proven tool to help Members strengthen Veterinary Services
OIE has developed a modified Tool for use in the evaluation of Aquatic Animal Health Services (AAHS)
The same principles apply
There are some differences (e.g. the role played by veterinarians as opposed to aquatic animal health professionals
The revised Tool is being further refined through pilot evaluations of AAHS
I encourage all Delegates to consider requesting an evaluation.

31. OIE support to Members
OIE asks Members to appoint national focal points in 7 specific areas, under the authority of the National Delegate.
The role of focal points is primarily to support the national Delegate in meeting his/her OIE obligations
The OIE provides regular seminars for FP in each region.
Aquatic animal diseases
Wildlife
Animal disease notification
Veterinary products
Animal welfare
Animal production food safety
Communication

32. Veterinary Education
Initial and continuing veterinary education is a key tool for global good governance
The aquatic sector needs better access to appropriately trained and skilled veterinarians
There is an urgent need to improve the education of both veterinarians and aquatic animal health professionals
The OIE is developing a list of day 1 competencies, including aquatic animal health, for veterinary graduates; considered as minimum requirements –countries may adopt stricter standards
The Veterinary Statutory Body is responsible for recognition and quality control procedures.

33. Legislation covering the Veterinary domain
A crucial element of the Veterinary Services’ infrastructure
Not updated for many years in many OIE Members
Inadequate in structure and content for the challenges facing VS in today’s world
the OIE provides assistance to Members via the Global Veterinary Legislation Initiative, part of the
OIE PVS Pathway for efficient Veterinary Services 33

34. Objectives and expectations
Our objective is to help to improve aquatic animal health worldwide and thereby, help alleviate poverty and hunger
To assist national authorities for aquatic animal health and welfare to address important threats and challenges:
Feeding the growing world population
Globalisation
Climate change and other environmental threats
Societal expectations
Explain how compliance with OIE standards and guidelines can help Member countries and regional organisations to meet these goals

35. Objectives and expectations
To raise awareness of the OIE support available to Members through the OIE PVS Pathway and associated initiatives, including:
the OIE PVS Gap Analysis and PVS follow up
Veterinary Legislation Strengthening Programme
Twinning programmes
OIE Veterinary Education Initiative

36. Objectives and expectations
To continue advocating on behalf of Veterinary Services and Aquatic Animal Health Services as a Global Public Good and to encourage governments and donors to make needed investments
To provide compelling messages for VS/AAHS to help convince decision-makers of the need for investment;
To raise awareness of the key importance of quality education for veterinarians and aquatic animal health professionals to improve aquatic animal health programs

37. Objectives and expectations
To raise awareness of the need for research in some key areas, such as nutrition, sustainably sources of feed and disease prevention for aquaculture species;
To advocate for applied research to support sustainable aquaculture development while avoiding unwanted impacts on the environment.

38. Desired outcomes (1)
Full engagement of all participants, including by taking key consensual messages back to national governments;
Increased Member requests for PVS evaluations of Aquatic Animal Health Services;
Closer collaboration between the Veterinary Services and other Authorities responsible for aquatic animal health;

39. Desired outcomes (2)
Generally improved compliance with OIE standards and guidelines, notably for diagnosis and reporting of OIE-listed diseases;
Members contribute more actively to the OIE standard setting process
Respect for and commitment to implement SPS standards, including animal health certification under the responsibility of governmental authorities;

40. Desired outcomes (3)
All Members nominate Focal Points for Aquatic Animals and support their participation in OIE regional capacity building activities
Members with reference centres provide the needed resources for their activities and consider entering into twinning agreements with developing countries;

41. Desired outcomes (4)
Endorsement of the OIE approach to global capacity building and twinning programmes for aquatic animal health programs, with increased support from OIE Partners and Donors for the PVS Pathway and other initiatives;
Increased applications for recognition as OIE Reference Centres on aquatic animal issues and, for existing reference laboratories, continued support for the application of OIE standards by Members;

42. Desired outcomes (5)
Renewed emphasis on the importance of initial and continuing education in aquatic animal health as a key component of efficient aquatic animal health programs
Increased support from governments and donors for the conduct of applied research needed for efficient aquatic animal health programmes.

43. Desired outcomes (6)
The OIE continue taking steps to make the PVS Pathway more accessible to governments that wish to strengthen Aquatic Animal Health Services, including through the conduct of pilot assessments at the request of countries
The OIE continue to enter into cooperative agreements with regional and international organisations, with the goal of increasing awareness of the need for aquatic animal health programs, improve early diagnosis and reporting of aquatic animal diseases and foster cooperation between veterinary and other relevant authorities at the national, regional and international level
The OIE continue working to build Members’ capacity through providing training seminars and other activities for National Focal Points for Aquatic Animals.

44. With grateful thanks to
This conference is co-funded by the European Union
Financial support for participation also provided by:

45. …and to the Government of the Republic
of Panama for hosting the conference

46. Thank you for your attention
Organisation mondiale de la santé animale
World Organisation for Animal Health
Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal
12 rue de Prony, Paris, France - –