Strengthening Aquatic Animal Health

WOAH continues to reinforce the global network of National Focal Points across their respective areas of expertise. In this context, the Regional Workshop for WOAH National Focal Points for Aquatic Animals (V Cycle) was held in Ålesund, Norway, from 3 to 5 September 2025, with the support of the European Union.

The event brought together participants from 35 countries, alongside representatives from WOAH, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI), and international experts.

Aligned with the objectives of the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Strategy, the workshop focused on:

• Strengthening capacities in aquatic animal health management;
• Fostering international collaboration;
• Sharing practical insights into prevention and surveillance strategies.

The workshop also provided a valuable platform for dialogue among national focal points, showcased Norway’s salmon industry as a global model of biosecurity and innovation, and highlighted common regional challenges. Key priorities identified included the need to enhance knowledge on vaccination and vaccine production, and to better integrate environmental information into aquatic animal disease prevention strategies and frameworks.

Workshop materials