Regional Information Webinar on the Terrestrial Animal Health Code — September 2025 Outcomes

On 17 December 2025, WOAH organized a Regional Information Webinar for Europe, Africa and the Middle East to inform Members about the outcomes of the September 2025 meeting of the Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission (TAHSC).

The webinar, held in line with established practice of recent years, aimed to support Member engagement in the WOAH standard-setting process by explaining the background, rationale and key elements of the texts circulated for comments and those proposed for adoption.

Key highlights

The main presentation was delivered by Dr Etienne Bonbon, President of the Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission, with the support of Commission members.

The session covered:

• The purpose and structure of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code;
• An overview of the TAHSC work programme, including ongoing priorities;
• Texts circulated for comments following the September 2025 meeting;
• Twelve draft texts proposed for adoption at the WOAH General Session in May 2026;
• Practical guidance for Members on how and when to submit comments.

Participants were also reminded of the importance of providing evidence-based and implementation-focused feedback, particularly where regional or national specificities may be affected.

Next steps for Members

WOAH Members are invited to:

• Review the TAHSC meeting report and annexes;
• Submit comments on the draft texts by 26 December 2025, in accordance with the WOAH guidance for submitting comments;
• Share feedback on the Commission’s work programme, including priorities and areas where expertise can be contributed.