The role of OIE aquatic standards and OIE Reference Laboratories in aquatic animal disease prevention and control.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) develops normative documents relating to rules that Member Countries and Territories can use to protect themselves from diseases without setting up unjustified sanitary barriers. For aquatic animal disease, the Aquatic Animal Health Code and the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals are prepared by the Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission, with the assistance of internationally renowned experts, the other Specialist Commissions of the OIE, and in consultation with OIE Members. The role of these standards in aquatic animal disease prevention and control is described in detail. There are currently 27 OIE Reference Laboratories and one Collaborating Centre for aquatic animal diseases, providing a network of expertise in aquatic animal health. These laboratories play a key role in aquatic animal disease prevention and control through providing diagnostic services and expert advice that is particularly useful in emergency situations.