Who is responsible for maintaining the list of reportable diseases?

The World Animal Health Organization (OIE) plays a crucial role in maintaining the list of reportable diseases, particularly those that affect animal health and which have potential implications for public health and international trade. This list is important for enabling countries to report occurrences of specific diseases reliably and consistently, facilitating coordinated global responses to outbreaks and ensuring that necessary information is shared to protect animal populations and human health.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization also engage in surveillance and reporting related to human health, their focus is different from that of the OIE, which specializes in animal health issues. The American Veterinary Medical Association, while a significant organization for veterinary practice and animal care, does not have the authority or responsibility for maintaining an international list of reportable diseases. Therefore, the OIE’s role is critical in the context of global health practices concerning zoonotic diseases and animal health monitoring.