The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) centered in Paris, was founded in 1924 actually preceding the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization that was formed after WWII. WOAH is also referred to as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE).  Currently there are 182 member nations cooperating to maintain health of livestock.

The rebrand recognizes the impact of diseases of animals and their zoonotic implications. WOAH intends to “foster solidarity among all of it members and create substantial networks of expertise with easy access to knowledge and data.”

Among various functions WOAH establishes standards for welfare and the diagnosis of livestock infections and parasitism and develops rules that govern trade in live animals and products.