On 26 June 2026, the WOAH Regional Representation for Europe collaborated with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) in a joint online consultation on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a disease of global significance for animal health, food safety, and international trade. The seminar focused on aligning national regulations with WOAH’s latest Terrestrial Animal Health Code updates, ensuring members can implement the highest standards in BSE risk management.
BSE remains a priority for WOAH, and the seminar provided a vital platform for experts to discuss key revisions in risk assessment, surveillance, and trade protocols. The meeting was designed not only to present the latest scientific and regulatory developments but also to facilitate practical implementation guidance for member-states seeking to achieve or maintain official BSE risk status – a key condition for accessing global markets.
WOAH experts led discussions on the fundamental changes in the new BSE standards, which introduce a more comprehensive risk assessment methodology. Dr. Angel Ortiz-Pelaez, an independent expert, outlined how countries must now conduct detailed evaluations of entry points, exposure risks, and potential consequences – ensuring a science-based approach to disease mitigation.
A major highlight was the transition to targeted surveillance, moving away from previous score-based systems toward a flexible, case-based monitoring approach. This adaptation allows countries to design tailored strategies that better reflect their unique epidemiological situations while maintaining robust detection capabilities.
Dr. Akinobu Kawamura from WOAH’s Standards Department provided clarity on trade recommendations, explaining which commodities remain safe for unrestricted movement and under what conditions other bovine-derived products may cross borders. These guidelines are essential for EAEU member states to simplify export procedures while ensuring compliance with international standards – a balancing act that supports both economic competitiveness and public health protection.
The seminar featured real-world experiences from two WOAH member-states, offering valuable insights for the region. Dr. Elena Chernyshova, Head of the Reference Laboratory for Rabies and BSE at ARRIAH Russia, shared how her country has successfully maintained its controlled BSE risk status through strict surveillance, laboratory testing, and effective control measures. Dr. Raquel Cobos, the UK’s WOAH Focal Point, detailed how science-driven policies, including feed bans and enhanced monitoring, contributed to the UK’s achievement of negligible BSE risk status in 2025.
Both presentations underscored the importance of long-term commitment, transparency, and collaboration in BSE management.
The seminar reinforced WOAH’s role as a global leader in setting evidence-based standards for animal health. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, asking clarifying questions and exploring how to apply the new guidelines in their national contexts.
Dr. Budimir Plavšić, WOAH Regional Representative for Europe, remarked: "This consultation was more than an update – it was a dialogue. By bringing together regulators, scientists, and trade experts, we ensured that the discussions were not just theoretical but actionable. Member-states now have clearer pathways to meet WOAH standards, which will in turn strengthen their veterinary systems and trade opportunities."
Dr. Vladimir Subbotin, Deputy Director of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Department of the EEC, welcomed the opportunity for EAEU member-states to align more closely with international best practices, emphasising that alignment with WOAH standards is essential for both food security and market access.
