A force for good: OIE, OECD address animal welfare worldwide

By Oscar Rousseau

- Last updated on GMT

Dr Monique Éloit (left) signed the deal with Mari Kiviniem (right) in Paris
Dr Monique Éloit (left) signed the deal with Mari Kiviniem (right) in Paris

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The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have signed an agreement in Paris to align their efforts to promote animal welfare.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the powerful intergovernmental organisations at the OIE’s headquarters in Paris on 7 September. It is the first, and most serious, formal agreement between the OIE and the OECD.

It was signed by Dr Monique Éloit, director general of the OIE and Mari Kiviniemi, deputy secretary-general of the OECD. Kiviniemi called the deal “great​” on Twitter.

By pooling resources, exchanging information and technical cooperation, the OIE and the OECD want to advance global policy issues on antimicrobial resistance, the use of veterinary drugs, the impact of livestock on climate change and global animal health systems.

‘Reinforcing collaboration’

Thanks to a world driven by continuous population growth – we know, for example, the UN expects world population to hit 9.6bn by 2050 – as well as a rise in animals, pathogens, and products, businesses face risks to economic security. The OIE said both organisations were helping its member states “meet these challenges​”.

Reinforcing collaboration and exchanges between OECD and OIE appears like a natural way forward to reinforce their respective objectives,​” said the OIE in a statement.

Both organisations have said they will “consult regularly​” on issues upon which they share common ground, with a view to aligning positions and efforts to tackle the problems linked to animal health and economic development.

The OECD is responsible for promoting polices that support economic growth and financial stability, whilst taking into account, and trying to balance, the environmental impact of any economic or social development.

Improving global animal health systems and providing transparency on the global animal disease situation is part of the OIE’s core remit.

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