Australian Consultation: WOAH Terrestrial Code

The February 2024 Report of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission has been published.

The Australian consultation on draft standards from the WOAH Terrestrial Code will open on Friday 19 April 2024. The consultation process will be conducted via the Have Your Say (HYS) website for WOAH standards, which will contain all relevant documents and a submission survey.

The draft standards are listed below and divided in two parts.

• Part A chapters will be proposed for adoption at the 91^st General Session (26-30 May 2024). WOAH has not requested comments on these as they have been circulated multiple times. However, input may be provided to inform Australia’s voting position and advise of any critical issues. To maximise the impact of your feedback on Part A chapters, please submit as early as possible before the General Session.
• Part B chapters will not be proposed for adoption and are for comment only. Please submit your feedback by Friday 7 June 2024.

All feedback must be provided through the survey on the HYS website (currently being updated).

To provide your comments:

• Submit them using the survey function and template on the consultation website.
• Comments must be supported by a rationale, or they will not be considered. Scientific references are encouraged where possible.
• Please only repeat past suggestions if this is supported by new science.

To assist you in contributing:

• A webinar will be held on Friday 19 April 2-3pm AEST to provide an overview of the consultation process and chapter changes. You will receive an invitation to that separately.
• The webinar will be recorded and uploaded to the Have Your Say website.
• The Code Commission report and annexes are available on the WOAH website in advance of the HYS website being updated.

If you have any questions or know of someone who would like to be added to this distribution please contact WOAHAustralia@aff.gov.au.