Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission

The Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission (the Code Commission), which was created in 1960, is responsible for ensuring that the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (the Terrestrial Code ) reflects current scientific information. The Terrestrial Code contains trade standards for terrestrial animals and their products.

The Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission (the Code Commission), created in 1960, is responsible for overseeing developments of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (the Terrestrial Code) and ensuring it reflects the latest current scientific development.

The Code Commission comprises six members who are elected by the World Assembly of Delegates for a three-year term. The members are internationally recognised experts with a broad understanding of the major diseases of animals addressed by the Terrestrial Code and international trade in animals and animal products. The Code Commission collaborates closely with the other Specialist Commissions for scientific expertise as well as to ensure harmonised approaches, as appropriate.

The Internal rules, Terms of reference of the Code Commissions and Qualifications of its members can be found in the Basic Texts below (pp. 5-6). 


Terms of reference, Internal rules, Qualifications of the members


Contact us

  • Étienne Bonbon

    President, Terrestrial Code Commission

    FRANCE

  • Dr. Gaston Maria Funes

    Vice-President, Terrestrial Code Commission; Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs

    ARGENTINA

  • Dr. Kiyokazu Murai

    Vice-President of the Code Commission – Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

    JAPAN

  • John STRATTON

    Director

    AUSTRALIA

  • Caroline Dubé

    Member of the Code Commission – National Manager, Animal Health Risk Assessment and Intelligence Section

    CANADA

  • Salah Hammami

    Member of the Code Commission – University Professor of Microbiology (virology) Immunology

    TUNISIA

Work programme

ChapterIssuesSummary of the workStatus – September 2024Priority order *
Stage of
consideration
Remarks
(Month when draft text first circulated for comment
/# of rounds for comment) or last TAHSC report reference
GeneralWildlife HealthOverarching consideration on how wildlife animal health is addressed in the Terrestrial CodePreliminary discussionsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
New chapter on emergency managementDevelop a new chapter and potentially modify the existing chaptersExpert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
CommoditiesConsideration to determine whether several types of highly processed products (such as blood meal, dried plasma, rendered fats, and hydrolysed protein) have a globally standardised production process and meet criteria to be considered safe commodities as regards specific diseases.

Pet-food: Consider the inclusion of ‘extruded dry pet food’ and ‘heat-treated meat products in a hermetically sealed container with an F0 value of 3 or above’ in the list of safe commodities of chapters (when revised).
Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report  



Noted in Sep 2022 TAHSC report (pet-food commodities)
2
Use of termsUse of terms: animal health statusConsider the need to revise definition to incorporate ‘herd’, and avoid restrictive wording
Possible revision of the Glossary definitionReview use of the terms across the Code for consistency
Preparatory workRefer to Feb 2020 TAHSC report1
Use of terms: notify / notifiable disease / report / reportable diseaseReview use of the terms across the Code for consistency. Develop a policy for their usePreparatory workRefer to Feb 2019 TAHSC report2
User’s guideRevision of the Users’ guide (standing item)Partial revision to provide more explanation on disease-specific chaptersto develop a new point on terms referring to animals used in the Terrestrial Codework on introductionCirculated for comments and work in parallelNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/3)1
Glossary1. New definition for ‘swill’, definitions for ‘biosecurity’ and ‘biosecurity plan’
2. New definitions for ‘isolation’ and ‘pathogenic agent’, and definition for ‘disinfection’
Swill: Review use of the term across the Code. Develop a policy for its use and consider developing a definition. (connected to biosecurity work)Circulated for comments1. Noted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/2) 2. Noted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)1
1. New definition for ‘point of exit’ and definitions for ‘border post’ and ‘quarantine station’
2. New definition for ‘point of entry’ and definition for ‘transit country’
Review as a part of the work to revise Chs 5.4. to 5.7.Circulated for comments1. Noted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/2) 2. Noted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)1
New definition for ‘veterinary medical use’Move the definition from Ch 6.9.Pending the work of AMRWGNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
Definition of poultry’(Not defined yet, related to revision of chapters in Section 10)Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report1
Definition for ‘laboratory’Revision of definitionExpert consultationNoted in Feb 2024 TAHSC report2
New definition for ‘suspected case’Develop a new definitionExpert consultationNoted in Feb 2024 TAHSC report2
Section 1
1.1.Notification of diseases and provision of epidemiological informationidentification of the first stepNot startedRefer to Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
1.6.Procedures for official recognition of animal health status, endorsement of an official control programme, and publication of a self-declaration of animal health status, by WOAHPartial revision: – New article to improve clarity on the ability for Members to hold pathogenic agents within laboratories without affecting their animal health status.
– introduce the possibility to host the questionnaires on the web.
Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Feb 2023/1)2
1.7.-1.12Status QuestionnairesDeletion of chapters, to move their content to the WOAH WebsitePreparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
Section 4
4.4., 4.Y.Zoning and compartmentalisation and new chapter on implementation of zoningTo address necessary points, as relevant, with the development of new Ch 4.4. and develop a full new chapter (taskforce by SCAD and TAHSC to work on this issue)Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report1
4.7.Collection and processing of bovine, small ruminant and porcine semenComprehensive revision of chapterExpert consultationRefer to Sep 2024 TAHSC report1
4.8.Collection and processing of in vivo derived embryos from livestock and equidsConsider potential amendments as a consequence of the changes in the IETS ManualPreparatory workPending progress of data collection2
4.9.Collection and processing of oocytes and in vitro produced embryos from livestock and horsesConsider potential amendments as a consequence of the changes in the IETS ManualPreparatory workPending progress of data collection2
4.13.Disposal of dead animalsConsider including all potentially contaminated wastes/products/fomitesPreparatory workRefer to Feb 2022 TAHSC report2
4.14.General recommendations on disinfection and disinsectionComprehensive revision of chapter Consider question from AHG on biosecurityPreparatory workRefer to Feb 2022 TAHSC report2
4.X.New chapter on biosecurityDevelop a new chapterCirculated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/2)1
Section 5
GeneralRevision of Section 5 Trade measures, import/export procedures and veterinary certification (especially Chs 5.4. to 5.7.)Comprehensive revision of Chs 5.4., 5.5., 5.6. and 5.7.Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/2 for Chs 5.4. and 5.6., Sep 2024/1 for Chs 5.5. and 5.7.)1
5.X.Development of introductory chapterNew introductory chapter for Section 5Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report3
5.1., 5.2., 5.10.Certification proceduresPartial revision to review provisions on electronic certification and check model of certificate  Expert consultationRefer to Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
5.8.International transfer and laboratory containment of animal pathogenic agentsConsider impact of holding PA in labs (and research facilities)Align with corresponding Manual chapter (categories of PA)Potential link with work with Nagoya protocolPreparatory work Pending update of Manual Chapter 1.1.3Noted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
5.12.Model passport for international movement of competition horsesUpdate the relevant chapters on equine diseases to take into account proposals made by the AHG on HHP Horses Veterinary CertificatesPreparatory work  Noted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
Section 6
6.8.Harmonisaiton of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring programmesInclusion of definitions for monitoring and surveillance, as well as for active and passive surveillance and integrated surveillanceExpert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
6.12.Zoonoses transmissible from non-human primatesConsider possible inclusion of SARS-CoV-2 in this chapter, possible inclusion of Macacine Herpesvirus 1 and the revision of test schedule and animal species to be tested for tuberculosis (Origin Member requests)Not startedRefer to Feb 2022 TAHSC report4
Section 7
7.1.Introduction to the recommendations for animal welfarePartial revision to include ‘five domains’ conceptto clarify the meaning of the terms ‘animal-based’, ‘resource-based’ and ‘management-based’ measures etc.Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/3)1
7.2., 7.3., 7.4.Transport of animals by land, sea and airComprehensive revision of chaptersExpert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report1
7.6.Killing of animals for disease control purposes– Comprehensive revision of chapter– Partial revision: Expert consultation – Comprehensive revision: Expert consultationRefer to Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Feb 2024/1)1
Section 8
8.4.Infection with Brucella abortus, B. melitensis and B. suisRevision of provisions for free statusNot startedNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC3
8.8.Infection with foot and mouth disease virusPartial revision: development of an article with provision for safe trade of fetal bovine serumCirculated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)3
Partial revision: consideration of recommendations for import of ‘horns’Expert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report3
8.10.Japanese encephalitisComprehensive revision of chapter (related to works on Chs 8.21., 12.4. and 12.11.)Expert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
8.11.Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complexPartial revision to add recommendations for camelids and goatsto clarify point 1(b) of Article 8.11.4.Not startedRefer to Feb 2022 TAHSC report3
8.13.New world screwworm and old world screwwormPartial revision (case definition)Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)3
8.15.Infection with rabies virusPartial revision to add recommendations on wildlife-mediated rabiesPreparatory workRefer to Sep 2022 TAHSC report3
8.18.Infection with Trichinella spp.Consider the role and risks associated with different animal hostsNot startedNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report4
8.20.TularemiaPartial revision (case definition)Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report3
8.21.West Nile feverComprehensive revision of chapter (related to works on Chs 8.10., 12.4. and 12.11.)Expert consultationNoted in Feb 2024 TAHSC report2
8.X.New Chapter on Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic feverDevelop a new chapter (case definition)Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)2
Consider need to develop recommendations for prevention.Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
8.Y.New Chapter on Infection with Nipah virusDevelop a new chapter (case definition)Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2023/3)2
Section 10
GeneralOverall consideration of Section 10 AvesConsider approach to risk management recommendations for different production sectors, species, commodities, structure of chapter (following latest adopted HAPI) across different diseases.Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
10.2.Avian infectious bronchitisReview trade articles for clarity.Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
10.3.Avian infectious laryngotracheitisConsider amendments to ensure alignment with recently revised Manual chapterNot startedNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
10.5.Infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Avian mycoplasmosis)Full update of the chapter (content and structure) based on the recent update of the Manual Chapter. Consider inclusion of M. synoviae into a single chapter (and listed disease).Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
10.9.Infection with Newcastle disease virusRevision to align with recent revision of Ch 10.4.Not startedNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
10.X.Infection with avian metapneumovirus (Turkey rhinotracheitis and swollen head syndrome of chicken)Develop a new chapter (case definition)Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)2
Section 11
11.5.Infection with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia)Harmonisation of chapters with official status recognitionCirculated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2022/4)1
11.11.TrichomonosisComprehensive revision of chapterNot startedRefer to Feb 2022 TAHSC report (Sep 2020/2)3
11.X.New Chapter on Infection with bovine pestivirus (bovine viral diarrhoea)Develop a new chapter (case definition)Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2022/5)1
Section 12
12.1.African horse sicknessHarmonisation of chapters with official status recognition Proposals from AHG on AHS and SCADCirculated for commentsNoted in Sept 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2022/4)1
12.3.DourineComprehensive revision of chapterCirculated for commentsRefer to Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Feb 2024/2)2
12.4.Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western)Comprehensive revision of chapter (related to works on Chs 8.10., 8.21. and 12.11.)Circulated for commentsNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report (Sep 2024/1)2
12.8.Infection with equid herpesvirus-1 (Equine rhinopneumonitis)For consistency of disease namePreparatory workNoted in Feb 2024 TAHSC report Manual chapter adopted at the last GS3
12.11.Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitisComprehensive revision of chapter (related to works on Chs 8.10., 8.21. and 12.4.)Expert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
Section 13
13.2.Rabbit haemorrhagic diseaseComprehensive revision of chapterPreparatory workNoted in Sep 2023 TAHSC report3
Section 14
14.7.Infection with peste des petits ruminants virusPartial revision: – Reconsider susceptible animals targeted in the chapter (wild animals, pigs) – Review Article 14.7.19. and Article 14.7.25 to remove reference to Chapter 8.8. – New article on recommendations for importation of animals for direct slaughter – Apply new drafting conventions     Preparatory workNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
14.8.ScrapieComprehensive revision of chapterExpert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report2
14.9.Sheep pox and goat poxComprehensive revision of chapterExpert consultationNoted in Sep 2024 TAHSC report3
* Description of the consequence of priority order
1active work for the TAHSCidentified as the priority to progress as soon as possibleto be put forward for next meeting agenda
2active work for the TAHSCprogression as time and resources allowto be included in next meeting agenda
3not immediate work for the TAHSCpossible progression if time, resources allowneeds to progress before consideration for next meeting agenda
4not activenot to be immediately started
List of abbreviations
AHGAd hoc Group
BSCBiological Standards Commission
ChChapter
HQWOAH Headquarters
IETSInternational Embryo Technology Society
SCADScientific Commission for Animal Diseases
TAHSCTerrestrial Animal Health Standard Commission

 
Date of meetingsReports
TAHSC meeting
(September 2024)
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER_2024
TAHSC meeting
(February 2024)
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY_2024
TAHSC meeting (September 2023)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER_2023
TAHSC meeting
(February 2023)
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY_2023
TAHSC meeting (September 2022)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER_2022
TAHSC meeting (February 2022)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2022_PART_A
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2022_INTRO_PART_B
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2022_PART_B
TAHSC meeting (September 2021)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2021_INTRO
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2021_PART_A
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2021_PART_B
TAHSC meeting (February 2021)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2021_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2021_PART_B.PDF
TAHSC meeting (September 2020)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2020_INTRO.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2020_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2020_PART_B.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2020_PART_C.PDF
TAHSC meeting (February 2020)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2020_INTRO.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2020_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2020_PART_B.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2020_PART_C.PDF 
TAHSC meeting (September 2019)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2019_INTRO.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2019_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2019_PART_B.PDF
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2019_PART_C.PDF 
TAHSC meeting (February 2019)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2019_INTRO.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2019_PART_A.PDF
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2019_PART_B.PDF 
TAHSC meeting (September 2018)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2018_INTRO.PDF
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2018_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2018_PART_B.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2018_PART_C.PDF 
TAHSC meeting (February 2018)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2018_INTRO.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2018_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2018_PART_B.PDF 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2018_PART_C.PDF 
TAHSC meeting (September 2017) A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2017_INTRO.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2017_PART_A.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2017_PART_B.PDF 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2017_PART_C.PDF 
TAHSC meeting (February 2017)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2017_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2017_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2017_PART B.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2017_PART C.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2017_PART D.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2017_PART E.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2016)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2016_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2016_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2016_PART B.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2016_PART C.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (February 2016)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2016_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2016_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2016_PART B.pdf
TAHSC meeting (August-September 2015)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2015_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2015_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER2015_PART B.pdf
TAHSC meeting (February 2015)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2015_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2015_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY2015_PART B.pdf
TAHSC meeting (September 2014)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2014_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2014_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2014_PART B.pdf
TAHSC meeting (February 2014)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2014_INTRO.pdf
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2014_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2014_PART B.pdf
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2014_PART C.pdf
TAHSC meeting (September 2013)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2013_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2013_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2013_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (February 2013A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2013_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2013_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2013_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2012)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2012_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2012_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2012_PART B.pdf 
 TAHSC meeting (February 2012)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2012_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2012_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2012_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2011)



A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER  2011_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER  2011_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER  2011_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (February 2011)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2011 INTRO.pdf
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2011 PART A.pdf
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2011 PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2010)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2010_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2010_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2010_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (February 2010)A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2010_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2010_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_FEBRUARY 2010_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2009)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2009_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2009_PART A(a).pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2009_PART A(b).pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2009_PART B(a).pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2009_PART B(b).pdf 
TAHSC meeting (March 2009)A_TAHSC_MARCH 2009_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2009_PART A(a).pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2009_PART A(b).pdf
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2009_PART B.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2009_PART C.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2008)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2008_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2008_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2008_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (March 2008)A_TAHSC_MARCH 2008_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2008_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2008_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2007)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2007_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2007_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2007_PART B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (March 2007)A_TAHSC_MARCH 2007_INTRO.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2007_PART A.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2007_PART B.pdf 
A_TAHSC_MARCH 2007_PART C.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (October 2006)A_TAHSC_OCTOBER 2006.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (March 2006)A_TAHSC_MARCH 2006.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (September 2005)A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2005 A.pdf
A_TAHSC_SEPTEMBER 2005 B.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (January 2005)A_SCCD A JANUARY 2005.pdf
A_SCCD B JANUARY 2005.pdf 
Meeting of the Bureau (July 2004)A_SCCD JULY 2004.pdf 
TAHSC meeting (December 2003)A_SCCD_DECEMBER 2003.pdf