Sharing scientific knowledge, encouraging open communication, and supporting the sustainability of veterinary services throughout the world are key aspects of the new strategic objectives of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). These are all particularly important in the emerging context of animal health that’s dependent on human health and environmental health, and vice-versa, OIE officials said.

The organization’s new Director General Monique Eloit, DVM, and the Deputy Director General Brian Evans, DVM, unveiled the details of this “Sixth Strategic Plan” Jan. 13 at the OIE headquarters in Paris, France. The plan applies to the next five years, through 2020.

“Through a reinforced relationship with our scientific partners, we aim to open up towards new horizons, not only in advanced technology, but also in other sciences which aren’t necessarily veterinary science, which will permit us to address more comprehensively the complexity of global challenges,” said Eloit. These “global challenges,” such as global warming, extremes of weather conditions, loss of biodiversity, and the continued evolution of human health consequences have direct effects on animal health, she said.

Their initiative aims to improve animal health and welfare worldwide while contributing to the reduction of disease transmission that can occur naturally via vectors, accidently through trade and transport, or deliberately. They also intend to take advantage of the latest advances in diagnostic and information technology to help reduce the spread of disease