WAHIS Training Enhances Trade Capacity and Resilience

A two-day training workshop in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, significantly bolstered the Caribbean’s capacity to manage animal health, ensuring food safety and security. Over 100 participants from 19 Caribbean countries convened to enhance their expertise in utilizing the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), a crucial tool for disease reporting, risk management, and biosecurity. The workshop, held from March 27-28, 2025, represented a collaborative effort involving key regional and international organizations: the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), and the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET). This joint initiative underscores the shared commitment to strengthening regional capacity to combat transboundary animal diseases, particularly threats like African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza, which pose significant risks to the swine and poultry industries, respectively.

The WAHIS platform serves as a critical component in global animal health surveillance. It provides a standardized system for WOAH member and non-member countries to report and respond to disease outbreaks promptly and efficiently. The system’s recent updates also incorporate private sector reporting, broadening the network of surveillance and enabling quicker responses to emerging threats. For Caribbean nations, the WAHIS training offers valuable support in addressing resource limitations. Participants emphasized the practical benefits of the training, including improved navigation of the WAHIS interface, which will facilitate quicker identification of response needs during outbreaks, streamline report submissions, and enhance communication between neighboring islands. This collaborative approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the Caribbean region and the crucial role of information sharing in mitigating the risk of disease transmission.

The training was lauded by participants as a valuable opportunity to enhance their national disease surveillance capabilities. The practical skills acquired promise to significantly improve reporting mechanisms, leading to greater transparency and data robustness. By strengthening national reporting systems, Caribbean countries are enhancing their ability to manage risks effectively, bolstering their credibility in international trade, and safeguarding public health. The localized approach of the training allows participants to address specific challenges and opportunities within the region, ensuring the relevance and applicability of the knowledge gained. This, in turn, strengthens the Caribbean’s position as a reliable partner in the global agricultural market while protecting the health of its population.

Animal health plays a pivotal role in safeguarding livestock production, a cornerstone of the region’s food and nutrition security and rural livelihoods. Emerging agricultural health threats, pests, and diseases can severely impact food production systems, exacerbating existing challenges related to climate change, supply chain disruptions, and food price volatility. Robust disease surveillance and reporting systems, such as WAHIS, are essential for early detection and rapid response to these threats. By enabling accurate and timely disease reporting, WAHIS contributes to protecting the livestock industry, supporting regional producers, and maintaining consumer confidence in local food systems.

Furthermore, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into disease monitoring and response systems is recognized as increasingly important in addressing transboundary threats that transcend borders and economic status. The commitment to leveraging technology and collaborative frameworks underscores the proactive approach to animal health management in the Caribbean. This proactive approach not only safeguards animal health but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable development, economic stability, and regional resilience.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), as the specialized agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system, continues to play a vital role in supporting its 34 Member States in achieving agricultural development and rural well-being. Through international technical cooperation, IICA facilitates the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices, fostering regional collaboration and strengthening the capacity of countries to address complex agricultural challenges. The WAHIS training workshop exemplifies IICA’s commitment to enhancing animal health management in the Caribbean, contributing to a more resilient and secure food system for the region.