The importance of intergovernmental standards in reducing biological threats associated with accidental, natural or deliberate acts.

Pathogens represent a considerable and ever-present threat to animal health, agriculture-based economies, food safety, public health and food security. Whatever the origin of the event (natural, accidental or intentional), the standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) enable countries to improve their organisation to reduce the risk, relying mainly on quality Veterinary Services, which can be assessed using the OIE Tool for the Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS). Setting up a surveillance and early detection system in line with OIE standards, underpinned by an animal health network involving a public-private partnership with veterinarians, farmers, hunters, laboratories and wardens of protected areas, makes it possible to deal with the appearance of any pathogens and to intervene rapidly to control and eradicate them. Emergency plans to deal with pathogens with the most serious repercussions on animal health, public health and the economy are vital and must be regularly assessed using simulation exercises in order to identify and implement any adaptations or improvements to them.