NTS and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Shifting paradigms in international animal health standards: the need for comprehensive standards to enable commodity-based trade
International animal health standards should focus on commodities rather than diseases
Authors:
G.R. Thomson; E.N. Tambi; S.K. Hargreaves; T.J. Leyland; A.P. Catley; G.G.M. Van‘T Klooster; M.L. Penrith
Publisher:
Institutional and Policy Support Team, AU, 2004
According to international standards on animal health, many developing countries have been trying to eradicate important livestock diseases and thereby improve access to global markets for animals and animal products. But is the eradication of these diseases really feasible in countries with scarce resources? Are there alternative and more equitable ways for international standards to ensure safe trade in livestock and livestock products?
This discussion paper from the African Union argues that the eradication of livestock diseases is simply not an option for many African countries in the short to medium-term. Instead, the international animal health standards set by the Office international des epizooties (World Animal Health Organisation) should be revised to focus on commodities rather than diseases. The paper discusses the implications of a commodity-based approach to trade for the livestock sector, and in particular, emphasises the need to review systems of certification. [authors abstract]
