title: Role of the international organisation for animal health (Office International des Epizooties: OIE) in the control of foot and mouth disease.
abstract: The author describes activities conducted by the International Organisation for Animal Health (OIE: Office International des Epizooties) to control foot and mouth disease (FMD) world-wide. These activities fall within the framework of the principal missions of the OIE. The first of these missions is the collection and dissemination of epidemiological information and of scientific knowledge on animal diseases, the socio-economic or disease implications of which can be particularly serious. The implementation of the measures required to control the disease and to protect countries threatened by FMD depends on the quality and rapidity of the transmission of this information. The co-ordination of studies, research and control programmes against FMD is equally important for the OIE. This work is based, in particular, on work conducted by the OlE foot and mouth disease and other epizootics Commission. OIE Member Countries not only have access to the most recent data on the diagnosis, surveillance and control of FMD but also have recourse to the official recognition procedure for disease-free status provided by this Commission. Finally, through the standardisation of health recommendations, diagnostic tests, manufacture protocols and the control of biological products, made available by the OIE International Animal Health Code Commission in regard to the former and by the OIE Standards Commission in regard to the latter, the OIE provides the reference for international trade in animals and animal products, and is recognised in this role by the World Trade Organization.
mesh_terms: D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000818:Animals; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018563:Disease Notification / Q000379:methods; D005536:Foot-and-Mouth Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007390:International Agencies / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007391:International Cooperation; D007886:Legislation, Veterinary / Q000592:standards*