The OIE animal welfare strategic initiative - Progress, priorities and prognosis

After inclusion of animal welfare as an important strategic initiative in the OIE third strategic plan, for the period 2001-05, an initial issues and options background paper was commissioned to assist in defining the degree and scope of OIE involvement. This paper was considered by an international ad hoc expert group and a permanent international animal welfare working group and was subsequently established to define and coordinate OIE animal welfare activities. The working group drafted a mission statement plus policies and guiding principles, developed a work programme for 2003 and reviewed the scope, drafted terms of reference and identified potential members for four separate ad hoc groups to address initial priority areas. Encouraging progress has been made over a relatively short two-year time period and recommendations made have been fully supported by all OIE member countries at the 2002 and 2003 annual general session meetings. The challenge is now to maintain this momentum and harness the support of all appropriate stakeholders. A commitment to consultation with and communication to all interested parties both within and external to the OIE will be critical to future success.