What was the main reason for the establishment of the OIE?

The main reason for the establishment of the OIE, or the World Organisation for Animal Health, is indeed focused on combating animal diseases globally. The OIE was founded to improve animal health and veterinary public health worldwide, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in controlling and managing animal diseases that can have significant impacts on both livestock and human populations.

This organization aims to enhance international cooperation in preventing and controlling animal diseases, thereby also addressing the potential threat these diseases pose to human health and food security. The OIE develops standards that member countries can follow to ensure the health of animals, which is crucial in preventing zoonotic diseases (those that can transfer from animals to humans) and in maintaining the overall health of the agricultural sector.

While other aspects such as food quality regulations, unified agricultural policies, and human epidemic outbreaks are relevant to global health, the primary focus of the OIE is on the health and welfare of animals and the efficient management of animal-related health issues on a global scale.