January 12, 2007

OIE launches new animal health database

The World Animal Health Organization (OIE) has launched a unique global animal health database.

A new World Animal Health Information Database (WAHID) interface is now available on the OIE website.

The new extensive database is part of the OIE's efforts to improve the transparency, efficiency and speed with which animal health information is disseminated throughout the world.

Complementary to the on-line notification made by OIE member countries through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) launched in Ap 2006, WAHID offers all available data on animal diseases, including zoonoses, per country, region, month and year.

The database also compiles country animal population, exceptional epidemiological events maps, global animal diseases distribution maps or comparative disease status between two countries.

This last application is designed to help define health hazards linked to the trade of live animals and animal products between countries.

The new web interface will replace Handistatus II that compiles data from 1996 to 2004.