
In 2000, the Focal Point for disease notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) was created to assist national Delegates in their obligation of collecting and submitting to the organisation, information on animal diseases. Subsequently, Focal Points for more categories/specialties were added (Wildlife, Veterinary Products, Animal Production Food Safety, Animal Welfare, Aquatic Animals, Communication and Veterinary Laboratories) to help Delegates with their expanded organisational tasks. All Focal Points are under the authority of the Delegates, and any information transmitted to WOAH from the different Focal Points must be transmitted under the authority of the Delegate. WOAH will continue to strengthen the network of focal points in their respective areas of competence, mainly through training course and workshops at regional and sub-regional level.