International trade has grown dramatically since World War II. That growth has been facilitated by international efforts to break down trade barriers and to create a level playing fi eld for all trading partners through free market initiatives formalized through the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the 1990s.
Growth in the trade of livestock and foods of animal origin has been particularly robust as a result of several factors: the elimination or reduction of tariffs associated with free-market reforms; technological advances in containerized and refrigerated shipping; and a steadily increasing global consumer demand for foods of animal origin, associated with economic growth and increasing prosperity, particularly in developing countries. Since 1960, global meat production has more than tripled, milk production has nearly doubled, and egg production has increased almost fourfold. Global production and consumption of meat will likely continue to rise, from 233 million metric tons (Mt) in 2000 to 300 million in 2020, as will that of milk, from 568 to 700 million Mt over the same period. Egg production will also increase by 30% (Speedy 2003). The increased movement of live animals and animal products corresponds to an increased risk in the spread of transboundary diseases of animals as well as zoonotic diseases, particularly foodborne diseases. As such, the WTO has actively promoted the development of regulations and policies to ensure
that animal health and food safety are considered and protected as core elements in international trade. The WorldOrganization for Animal Health (OIE) provides scientifi cexpertise to WTO for regulating trade in livestock while the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), through the Codex Alimentarius (www.codexalimentarius.net), provide guidelines for the regulation of food products, including foods of animal origin.