Call for experts to join ad hoc group on the prioritisation of diseases for which vaccines could reduce global antimicrobial use in animals

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is convening a group of multidisciplinary experts (ad hoc Group) to provide its membership with an updated, evidence‑based list of priority animal diseases for which vaccines could achieve the greatest global reduction in antimicrobial usage in pigs, chickens and fish. The ad hoc Group will also compile, where appropriate, preferred product characteristics for new/improved vaccines, an analysis of the barriers and levers to the uptake of commercially available vaccines and produce a communication, dissemination and exploitation plan for the various products it generates.  

The ad hoc Group is convened under the authority of and report to the WOAH Director General. Its work is in line with recommendation #10 from Resolution 29  adopted at WOAH’s 92nd General Session (2025) and commitment #72 from the 79th UNGA political declaration on AMR   (2024). Further information about its purpose and responsibilities is available in the Concept Note and Terms of Reference . 

The ad hoc Group will be composed of internationally recognised experts who are highly motivated to improving the availability, access and adoption of animal vaccines and whose experience span the following sectors: 

• animal health/diseases with a focus on pigs, chickens and/or fish (aquaculture),  
• food producing industry with a focus on pigs, chickens and/or fish (aquaculture),  
• animal vaccine R&D and manufacturing,   
• veterinary products regulation.

As WOAH continues to strive for geographical diversity and gender balance, membership should lead to a balanced and adequate representation of its five regions (Africa, the Americas, Asia & Pacific, Europe and the Middle East).  

Eligibility requirements:

• More than 15 years of expertise in at least one of the four sectors highlighted above 
• Specialist recognised at an international level 
• Demonstrable understanding of global issues surrounding irresponsible antimicrobial use in animals and commitment to wider uptake of preventative measures, particularly vaccines
• Highly proficient in English (listening, reading, speaking and writing) 
• Good communication skills; able to work efficiently in an intercultural environment 
• Good analytical skills of existing scientific and grey literature  

How to apply: Register here by submitting a CV.

Deadline: Friday 21 November 2025 23:59hrs.

Format & time commitment: One multi-day in-person meeting (Paris, France) plus four virtual meetings over a period of 12 months.