Ad hoc Groups

An ad hoc Group is convened at the initiative of the Director General to provide expert advice on a topic as defined by the Terms of Reference. The ad hoc Group reports are considered by the relevant Specialist Commission or Director General. An ad hoc Group usually comprises six internationally recognised experts and take into consideration geographical representation and gender balance.

Nomination of experts

Delegates may nominate experts for specific ad hoc Groups, in particular for those that are in the planning phase not yet formally established. Delegates are also invited to consult the Commission’s work plan to identify potential upcoming area of work. Delegates may send the name(s) of the expert(s) via email to [email protected]. However, experts must submit their relevant information by filling out this form. This information will be considered but does not guarantee that the expert will be selected. It will assist WOAH in establishing a database of internationally recognised experts.


Ad hoc Group reports

Ad hoc Group reports published since 2016 can be accessed from the menu on the top of this page. To access reports prior to July 2016, please refer to reports of the relevant WOAH Specialist Commission available here.


Ad hoc Group meeting schedule

The schedule for upcoming ad hoc Group meetings is presented below.

Ad hoc GroupsStatusToRYear 2024
AHG on International Standard for Bovine / Avian Tuberculine2nd half of the year
AHG on Sheep Pox and Goat PoxPYes26-28 Nov
Alternative Strategies for the Control and Elimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection (MTbC) in LivestockEYes16-18 January
First meeting
Animal Semen: Chapter 4.7. Terrestrial CodeE 2nd half of the year
Cybersecurity in Animal HealthP7-10 Oct
Emerging disease in wildlifeEOct or Nov
Emergency disease preparedness and disease outbreak management (aquatic animals)E Yes
Development of emergency management standards (first meeting)E10-13 June
Equine encephalitidesPYes19-21 November
Introduction to the recommendations for animal welfare (Revision of Terrestrial Code Chapter 7.1.)P2nd half of the year
ScrapieP1st half of the year
Recommendations for national incident management systemsE25-28 Nov
Slaughter and killing of animals for disease control purposes (Revision of Terrestrial Code Chapters 7.5. and 7.6.)E Yes
Status evaluation on BSEEYes1-4 Oct
Status evaluation on RabiesEYes8 and 10 Oct
Status evaluation on AHSEYes9 and 11 Oct
Status evaluation on CBPPECancelled
Status evaluation on FMDEYes4-7 Nov
Ad hoc Group on PPREYesWeek of 12 Nov
Status evaluation on CSFEYes19 and 21 Nov
Susceptibility of crustaceans species to WOAH listed diseasesEYes
Susceptibility of fish species to infection with WOAH listed diseasesE Yes18-23-25 January
Susceptibility of mollusc species to infection with WOAH listed diseasesE Yes11_13 June
Technical Reference for listing antimicrobial agents of importance in bovine animalsEYes9 February
Technical Reference for listing antimicrobial agents of importance in cats and dogsEYes5 February
Updating simulation exercises (on line)E6-8 May
Transport of animals by sea and by land
(Revision of Terrestrial Code Chapters 7.2. and 7.3.)
E18-20 June
Wildlife: Next generation wildlife health information systemEYes30 January
*E = Established AHG; P = Planned and open for nomination of experts.

Terms of Reference and Internal rules for Working Groups and ad hoc Groups

Reports from ad hoc Groups on Terrestrial Animals

Disease specific


Other terrestrial animal related subjects

Reports from ad hoc Groups on Aquatic Animals

Disease specific


Other aquatic animal related subjects

Report of ad hoc Groups on animal welfare

Reports from ad hoc Groups on Antimicrobial resistance

Evaluation for official status and endorsement of control programmes

Reports from ad hoc Groups on other subjects