Another WOAH moment

What is a WOAH Collaborating Centre?

For over a century, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has served as a global authority committed to improving animal health and creating a better future for animals and people. To achieve this mission, it relies on a network of Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres. While both provide essential scientific expertise and support to WOAH and its members, each has a distinct purpose:

Reference Laboratories serve as the world’s leading experts on specific diseases or pathogens. As a designated WOAH Reference Laboratory, APHA provides expert disease advice on 17 animal health specialisms, such as rabies and Salmonella which were highlighted in previous blogs. Collaborating Centres have a broader mandate, covering entire disciplines across multiple topics. They provide expert scientific knowledge to WOAH’s global membership and foster international collaboration on animal health and welfare. At their core is a commitment to delivering high-quality evidence to decision-makers at every level. Designation and renewal of the WOAH Collaborating Centre for Risk Analysis & Modelling

In 2019, APHA, together with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), was appointed as the “WOAH Collaborating Centre for Risk Analysis and Modelling” (WOAH CC RAM). The Centre was established to apply and promote risk analysis and modelling techniques in support of policy developments for controlling animal disease, improving animal welfare and protecting human and veterinary public health.

Following the completion of its initial five-year term, WOAH reviewed the Centre’s self-evaluation and renewed its designation for a further five years, from 2026 to 2030, recognising the Centre’s sustained contribution to global animal health through technical expertise and policy support.

What does the WOAH Collaborating Centre for Risk Analysis and Modelling do?

The WOAH CC RAM combines APHA’s and RVC’s complementary strengths in research, surveillance, education, outbreak response, contingency planning and consultancy in animal health. Within the Centre, risk analysts, modellers, epidemiologists, animal health economists and data specialists work across five key workstreams, which address different questions on disease situations:

Epidemiological and statistical modelling: “How do diseases behave in populations and what can data reveal?” This workstream involves conducting observational studies, monitoring disease surveillance systems and control programmes, and evaluating their effectiveness to inform policy interventions that are fit for purpose and efficient. Risk analysis: “What risks lie ahead, and how can we quantify the unknown?” This workstream involves the assessment of risks to animal and veterinary public health, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to help policymakers make informed decisions for disease prevention and during outbreaks. Mathematical modelling: “How can we turn problems into models; and models into solutions?” This workstream involves developing mathematical and simulation models that describe how disease spreads among livestock and wildlife over time and often across space. These models help explore different scenarios for managing both endemic and exotic diseases. Economic modelling: “How do we measure value and use it to shape better policies?” This workstream involves combining epidemiological models with cost–benefit analyses of disease management or control strategies to determine whether they are economically viable and aligned with strategic objectives from farm to national scale. Data for modelling: How do we unlock the full potential of our data for animal health and policy? Data for modelling underpins all of the above. This workstream involves the management and provision of clean, accurate and meaningful data to allow the delivery of reliable insights.

In addition, “companion animal epidemiology” has been identified as an important cross-cutting subject spanning all five workstreams, reflecting the growing role of companion animals in disease dynamics and public health.

A look back over the initial term

Over its first five years, the Centre has demonstrated the power of combining APHA’s government expertise with RVC’s academic strengths to deliver world-class applications, training, and promotion of risk analysis and modelling.

The Centre’s experts have contributed to international programmes, such as the WOAH Observatory, essential guidance documents, such as the Guidelines for Addressing Disease Risks in Wildlife Trade, and a notable Scientific and Technical Review on Animal Health and Data Management which explores the evidence and decision-making processes essential for effective disease management. They have produced over 300 peer-reviewed publications, both independently and in collaboration with other centres and organisations. This body of work has contributed significantly to advancing risk analysis and modelling at a global level.

In addition to research, the Centre has played a key role in capacity building; delivering 59 training events in partnership with WOAH and leading international agencies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). These initiatives have reached over 1,500 participants across all WOAH regions, helping to increase and strengthen global expertise in animal health risk analysis and modelling.

APHA and RVC have an international outreach and in the past five years have collaborated with partners in government and academia from 42 countries and 103 institutes, building diverse networks that connect science, policy and practice. The images below summarise the extent of international collaborations, both within the WOAH European region and internationally.

APHA’s and RVC’s partnerships in risk analysis and modelling internationally (2024). These include collaborations producing joint outputs, as well as partnerships with regular knowledge exchange.  APHA’s and RVC’s partnerships in risk analysis and modelling within the WOAH European region (2024). These include collaborations producing joint outputs, as well as partnerships with regular knowledge exchange. 

Past international conferences, such as ISVEE17 in Sydney and SVEPM2025 in Berlin, further highlighted the Centre’s role in driving innovation and building partnerships that amplify the impact of its work. These events were more than just opportunities to present research, they were platforms to build bridges across disciplines, institutions, and borders.

APHA and RVC epidemiologists and risk analysts at SVEPM 2025 in Berlin

In March, the Centre hosted the Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine’s annual conference, SVEPM 2026. This prestigious event brought together researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to share cutting-edge insights, foster collaboration, and shape the future of animal health.

The organising committee for SVEPM 2026 in London What is next?

The Centre has submitted a new work plan in September last year, which is currently being reviewed for approval by the WOAH Biological Standards Commission (BSC). 

Find out more Visit WOAH’s website to find out more about their latest news, work and commitment to global animal health. Head over to the Collaborating Centre’s website to find out the latest news and meet the team or check out publications. Learn more about the work of the Collaborating Centre in this video You can also follow the APHA and RVC social media accounts for updates via the following hashtag: #WOAHCCRAM

https://aphascience.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/18/another-woah-moment/

seen at 10:04, 18 June in APHA Science Blog.