Return on investment in international standard setting engagement: A case study on BSE status
Australia’s involvement in WOAH’s recent revision of international bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) standards helped in maintaining a ‘negligible’ risk status. This study investigates the value of engaging in international standard setting.
International standard setting is central to facilitating safe international movement of animals and animal products under increasing trade and globalisation. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the responsible body for international standards relating to animal health, on which member countries are encouraged to base their sanitary measures. Australia benefits from being involved in ISS as it supports an effective biosecurity system that keeps many harmful pests and diseases out of the country. This freedom from pests and diseases allows ensures that producers have access to export markets, justifies premium prices, and enables integration of Australian products within international supply chains.
Standards are often updated and revised in response to scientific advancements; however, these changes can have negative economic impacts on member countries. The prospect of Australia losing its ‘negligible’ risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, mad cow disease) under proposed changes to international BSE standards is one example. Australia’s engagement with WOAH in revising international BSE standards serves as a case study for the value of influencing international standard setting bodies. This project aims to better position the department to influence these organisations and to reap the benefits of maximising market access, improved global biosecurity, and upholding Australia’s global reputation. By aligning WOAH standards with Australian values of science-based approaches without imposing unjustified barriers to trade, this project also contributes to the Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 plan.
CEBRA Project Leader: Susie Hester