The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) and the equestrian sector have formed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) since 2012, in recognition that international horse movement, particularly for competition horses, is hampered by restrictions that are not in line with WOAH standards.
This PPP cooperation between WOAH and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) as a union between the Federation Equestre International (FEI) and the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) has over time developed several concepts that have found international recognition and acceptance. These include Equine Disease Free Zones (EDFZ) that have been applied in many international events at global, regional and national level and the “high health, high performance” horse concept which is laid down in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (TAHC) Chapter 4.17.
Under this PPP, expert support was also provided regarding the updates of TAHC Chapters and in the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals on the main equine diseases. In addition, research funding for the development of novel vaccines and laboratory tests was provided, and harmonised import health certificates for certain regions were developed and promoted. During this unique cooperation, African horse sickness (AHS) as a disease in 2015 received official status recognition by WOAH.
International horse sport and related movements have seen steady growth and increasing economic importance globally, particularly in Asia, until the incursion of COVID-19. After almost 3 years of standstill for international horse movement, events have started again and there is a need for the work under the PPP to continue. Equestrian events such as the recently concluded Asian Games in China and the forthcoming Asian Championship in Thailand in 2025, respectively, are supported by the PPP and are testimony to the renewed activities in the region.
While the PPP collaboration with WOAH headquarters continues to target global issues, the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP) is providing specific support to this region through a new initiative, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People’s Republic of China. This project builds on previous achievements made specifically in the region such as the development of “roadmaps” by the Veterinary Services, the Equestrian Federations, and the Racing Associations during workshops in Hong Kong in 2019 and in Thailand in January 2024.
Date: 17-18 September 2024
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Participation: By invitation
Agenda + presentations (coming soon)