SHIC Executive Director Among US Delegation Representing Pork Industry at 92nd WOAH General Session

The 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates for the World Organisation for Animal Health recently convened from May 25 – May 29, 2025, bringing together international animal health authorities to establish global standards impacting livestock industries worldwide. The US pork industry was well-represented within the US delegation, underscoring the critical role of international collaboration in safeguarding domestic swine health and trade. Delegation members representing the US pork industry included Dr. Megan Niederwerder, executive director, Swine Health Information Center, Dr. Dusty Oedekoven, chief veterinarian, National Pork Board, Dr. Anna Forseth, director of animal health, National Pork Producers Council, and Dr. Liz Wagstrom, consultant, National Pork Producers Council.

The General Session of the World Assembly, comprising delegates from WOAH member countries, convenes at least annually, with the General Session held over five days each May in Paris, France. Delegates are responsible for adopting international standards in animal health, with a strong emphasis on facilitating international trade, electing WOAH’s governing bodies, adopting resolutions pertaining to the control of major animal diseases, examining and approving annual reports, and appointing the Director General of WOAH. Delegates also explore ways WOAH can collaboratively shape a sustainable future for global animal health and welfare.

The General Session’s comprehensive agenda featured an Animal Health Forum on Vaccines and Vaccination. Taking place over the first two days of the General Session, the Forum on Vaccines and Vaccination was structured around vaccine adoption as an outcome of vaccine availability, vaccine access and vaccine demand at both the farm and national level. Plenary sessions also covered the activities of the Wildlife and Antimicrobial Resistance Working Groups, as well as updates from the Terrestrial Animal Health Standards, Aquatic Animal Health Standards, and Biological Standards Commissions.