Paris, France, 5 June 2025
The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) warmly congratulates the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on successfully hosting its 92nd General Assembly in Paris from 25 to 29 May 2025. More than 1,100 participants from 131 countries convened to address critical issues in global animal and wildlife health.
Enhanced Global Collaboration
CIC Director General Sebastian Winkler attended the assembly, reinforcing a partnership spanning over two decades between CIC and WOAH. This relationship has intensified in the post-Covid era, acknowledging the critical importance of wildlife health within the global One Health strategy. The One Health approach recognises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
Hunters are vital frontline partners in wildlife disease monitoring, playing a pivotal role in early detection and prevention. Over the past 20 years, 60.3% of emerging infectious diseases affecting humans originated from animals, with 71.8% stemming from wildlife.
WOAH Assumes Leadership of International Alliance
A significant highlight of this year’s assembly was the transfer of the Secretariat of the International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade from the German Development Agency (GIZ) to WOAH. The CIC was among the earliest members of this Alliance, which today includes 180 organisations and 500 individual experts.
In welcoming this new development, CIC Director General Sebastian Winkler stated:
“WOAH’s leadership of the Alliance will significantly enhance global efforts in wildlife trade and disease prevention. CIC remains committed to contributing our members’ expertise, ensuring hunters and conservationists play a crucial role in addressing these global health risks.”
Practical Initiatives Supported by CIC
Earlier this year, CIC contributed to WOAH’s General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife. Currently, the CIC is working with partners in Central Asia to apply these guidelines, strengthening local capacity among veterinarians, conservationists, and hunters.
CIC’s ongoing collaboration with WOAH helps ensure the practical application of global health standards, directly benefiting wildlife conservation and community health.
Key Points for CIC Members and Hunters:
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WOAH’s adoption of the first-ever global vaccine standard for African Swine Fever (ASF).
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Increased recognition of the hunting community’s role in disease detection and monitoring.
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Strengthened international alliances supporting sustainable wildlife management.
The CIC encourages members and hunters worldwide to continue their active involvement in these vital efforts, which are essential for wildlife health and sustainable conservation.
Useful Links:
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
