OIE standards and guidelines related to trade and poultry diseases.

Recognising how difficult it is for some countries to fully eliminate animal diseases from their territory as a whole or to maintain an animal disease free status in parts of their national territory, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has introduced the concepts of 'zoning' and 'compartmentalisation' for the purposes of disease control and international trade. Full definitions of these terms are contained in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Compartmentalisation is based on a functional separation by biosecurity measures, whereas zoning is based on a geographical separation. In both cases, relevant animal subpopulations should be clearly defined, recognisable and traceable and should be epidemiologically separated from other subpopulations. Veterinary Authorities as well as the private sector have important responsibilities in establishing and maintaining zones and compartments.