WOAH Seeks Global Experts to Identify Vaccines to Reduce Antimicrobial Use in Livestock

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has opened a call for internationally recognised experts to help identify the animal diseases for which vaccination could achieve the greatest reductions in antimicrobial use in cattle, sheep and goats. The announcement was published on 12 October, with applications open until 31 October 2026.

The initiative brings together veterinary disease specialists, livestock-sector experts, vaccine researchers and manufacturers, and veterinary regulatory professionals. WOAH intends to develop an updated, evidence-based list of priority diseases, with the objective of improving access to and adoption of preventive vaccines.

The work follows WOAH’s Resolution 29, adopted at its 92nd General Session in 2025, and Commitment 72 of the United Nations General Assembly’s 2024 political declaration on antimicrobial resistance. The wider policy objective is to strengthen disease prevention as part of the international response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Why this matters for the animal-health industry

The initiative is strategically relevant to veterinary pharmaceutical companies, vaccine manufacturers, research organisations and livestock producers. Identifying diseases where vaccination can reduce antimicrobial requirements could help focus research investment, improve product-development priorities and strengthen the evidence base for preventive health programmes.

For cattle, sheep and goat production, the commercial implications may extend beyond vaccine sales to include reduced disease losses, fewer treatment interventions and better production continuity. However, the initiative is a prioritisation exercise; it does not itself approve a new vaccine or establish that a specific product will reduce antimicrobial consumption.

WOAH says candidates should have more than 15 years of relevant expertise and recognised international standing. The appointed experts will serve for an initial six-month period, potentially extendable. Interested applicants must submit a CV and cover letter by 31 October.