Shifting paradigms in international animal health standards: the need for comprehensive standards to enable commodity-based trade

In an era of globalisation, international trade in livestock and livestock products continues to be seriously hindered by epidemic animal diseases, in particular those categorised as ‘transboundary animal diseases’ (TADs). These diseases have substantial impact on the economies or food security of a number of countries, spread rapidly and require co-operation between countries for effective control. Zoonotic potential is a further important factor in the categorisation of TADs (Thomson and others, 2003). The ‘List A Diseases’ of the Office international des epizooties (OIE) is a group of TADs that are judged, on a global basis, to be the most important disease constraints to trade in livestock and livestock products (OIE, 2003). The OIE has indicated its intention to review classification of animal diseases at the end of 2004 (www.oie.int) and “List A” will likely fall into abeyance.