WOAH develops and updates international standards for the improvement of aquatic animal health and welfare worldwide. These standards support Members to prevent and control aquatic animal disease spread and contribute to ensuring safe trade of aquatic animals and their products. However, their effective implementation by Members remains challenging.
In 2021, WOAH launched its Aquatic Animal Health Strategy that aims to improve aquatic animal health and welfare worldwide. As part of this strategy, a survey was conducted to identify the barriers faced by Members in the implementation of WOAH standards, including those related to disease reporting.