WOAH Seeks Experts for Vaccine Priority List to Reduce Antimicrobial Use
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Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly known as the OIE, is assembling a group of multidisciplinary experts to identify priority animal diseases where vaccination could significantly reduce global antimicrobial usage (AMU) in pigs, chickens, and fish. This initiative aims to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat to both animal and human health. WOAH is seeking input to create an updated, evidence-based list of these priority diseases and define ideal vaccine characteristics.
The Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, change over time and no longer respond to medicines designed to kill them. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in both human and animal health are major drivers of this resistance. Reducing AMU in animal production is a critical step in preserving the effectiveness of these vital medicines.
WOAH’s Initiative: Focusing on vaccination
Vaccination is a key strategy for reducing the need for antimicrobials in animal production. By preventing disease, vaccines decrease the incidence of infections that would otherwise require antimicrobial treatment. WOAH recognizes this potential and is proactively working to identify the diseases where vaccination would have the greatest impact on reducing AMU globally.
The Role of the Ad Hoc Group
The ad hoc group of experts will be responsible for:
- Developing an updated, evidence-based list of priority animal diseases for which vaccines could achieve the greatest global reduction in antimicrobial usage in pigs, chickens, and fish.
- Compiling, where appropriate, preferred product characteristics for new or improved vaccines targeting these priority diseases. This includes considerations for efficacy, safety, administration, and cost-effectiveness.
- Analyzing the barriers and levers to vaccine progress and uptake. This will help identify strategies to overcome challenges and promote the widespread adoption of effective vaccines.
Who Should Apply?
WOAH is seeking experts with a strong background in one or more of the following areas:
- Veterinary medicine
- Animal production
- Vaccine development
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Epidemiology
- Economics of animal health
A multidisciplinary approach is highly valued. Experts from both academia and industry are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the WOAH vacancies page by November 21, 2025. The application process typically involves submitting a curriculum vitae (CV) and a statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and expertise.
Key Takeaways
- WOAH is prioritizing vaccine development as a strategy to reduce antimicrobial usage in animal agriculture.
- The initiative focuses on pigs, chickens, and fish, recognizing their importance in global food production.
- A multidisciplinary expert group will identify priority diseases and define vaccine characteristics.
- The application deadline is November 21, 2025.
This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. By focusing on preventative measures like vaccination, WOAH aims to safeguard animal health, protect public health, and ensure the long-term effectiveness of antimicrobials.
Published: 2025/11/04 19:14:58