What is one of the OIE's responsibilities concerning veterinary services?

One of the key responsibilities of the OIE, or World Organisation for Animal Health, is to improve the legal framework of national veterinary services. This involves providing guidelines and recommendations to member countries to enhance their veterinary legislation, ensuring that animal health and welfare are prioritized. By focusing on the legal framework, the OIE helps countries develop effective veterinary services that can respond to diseases in animals, facilitate trade in animals and animal products, and safeguard public health.

Improving the legal framework is essential because it lays the foundation for the proper functioning of veterinary services, allowing for more robust regulations, better disease reporting and management, and strengthened response mechanisms during outbreaks. It promotes a structured approach to animal health governance, enabling countries to align with international standards and practices, which is vital for global health security.