workshop on long-distance transport by land and sea between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa

The multi-regional Whole Journey Scenario (WJS) workshop on long-distance transport by land and sea between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa was held 13 – 15 January 2026, in Amman, Jordan.

The main objectives of the workshop were to help countries improve animal welfare during long distance and cross-border transport in compliance with WOAH standards for the whole duration of the journey along the selected route, with a focus on the responsibilities of the Competent Authorities over the entire journey.

The approach is based on bringing together all stakeholders involved in the transport of live animals, from the departure point to the final destination, to develop a common understanding and implementation of WOAH animal welfare standards.

The workshop addressed route-specific issues to ensure the welfare of animals during transport by land and sea and aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the relevant WOAH standards (Chapters 7.2 and 7.3 of the WOAH Terrestrial Code), with particular emphasis on the responsibilities of each stakeholder involved and the required exchange of information between the various Competent Authorities. The workshop gave an opportunity to build understanding of the animal welfare situation in participating countries, identifying key issues, constraints and challenges related to the implementation of WOAH standards. In addition, the workshop facilitated the sharing of best practices and strengthened collaboration among Competent Authorities. A dedicated session on animal welfare during slaughter will also be included to raise awareness of updated standards (Chapter 7.5 of the WOAH Terrestrial Code).

Representatives from 19 WOAH Members participated in the workshop, namely: France, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Germany and Türkiye (Europe); Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Iraq, United Arab Emirates (Middle East); and Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia (North Africa) and along with representatives from Brazil and Uruguay as well as the European Commission, veterinary professionals, business operators, producers and animal welfare organizations.

The workshop underscored the need to enhance and strengthen communication and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in live animal transport, highlighting the importance of well-defined responsibilities, proper planning, and a collective, adaptable approach in unexpected situations.

The workshop was thanks to financial support from the European Union and Ireland and kindly hosted by the Kingdom of Jordan under the patronage of HRH Basma Bint Ali.

As part of its continuous efforts to support the implementation of WOAH standards, since 2018, WOAH has organised a series of WJS workshops at the regional level (Europe in 2018; the Middle East in 2019) and subsequently expanded to the multi-regional level, starting with an online meeting for Europe and the Middle East in 2021, followed by in-person multi-regional workshops for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (Cairo, Egypt, in 2022 and Tunis, Tunisia, in 2023).

Agenda