Aquaculture committee suggests overseas involvement with OIE

The Aquaculture and Seafood Advisory Committee suggested that the AVMA form a working group to coordinate its input on draft standards proposed by the Office International des Epizooties to the official US delegate to the OIE, Dr. Alfonso Torres.

Board consideration of this issue resulted in referral of the recommendation to the Long-Range Planning Committee, which will recommend the structure. Because the input from the AVMA would require a review and comment period of no more than 30 days for a draft standard, it would be necessary to organize a flexible working group.

The OIE is an intergovernmental organization created in 1924 that has 155 countries in its membership. Its main objectives are to inform governments of the occurrence and course of animal diseases and of ways to control the diseases; internationally coordinate studies devoted to surveillance and control of animal diseases; and harmonize regulations for trade in animals and animal products among member countries.

For the second year, the AVMA president was invited by the official US delegate to attend the OIE general session in Paris. Each year during the session, the OIE considers changes to its standards.

If the AVMA decides to increase its involvement with the OIE, the Association would be allowed to participate on working committees and would be able to give more input to drafting standards that are circulated and reviewed prior to the general session.