Which agency has the final say for classifying a country as free of an animal disease?

• A. WHO
• B. CDC
• C. OIE
• D. FAO

Answer: (C)

The final say about a country’s official status as free from an animal disease rests with the international body that sets and recognizes animal health standards. That agency is the World Organisation for Animal Health, known as OIE. It establishes the criteria for disease freedom in its codes and then formally designates a country as officially free based on surveillance, veterinary services, and reporting data. This designation is used in international trade and movement of animals and animal products. Other organizations like WHO focus on human health, CDC is a national public health agency, and FAO supports agriculture and food security but does not issue the official disease-free status.