Since its first General Session held in Paris, the Organisation has carried out its work under the authority of a committee consisting of delegates of the contracting governments.

Set up between 1991 and 1999, the Regional Representations, for Asia and the Pacific (1971, then 1991), Eastern Europe (1994), the Americas (1997), and, lastly, the Middle East (1999) and Africa (1999) have allowed the Organisation to keep abreast of the challenges of its Members.

[10] Having celebrated the 85th anniversary of its creation the year before, the OIE adopted its 5th Strategic Plan,[11] which set a roadmap for its global missions in animal health and welfare from 2011 to 2015.

In January 2017, the outgoing Obama administration designated the OIE as an organisation entitled to benefits of the International Organizations Immunities Act.

The Organisation also ensures that its Members have the tools and capacity to equip their Veterinary Services and respond to the threats of animal diseases.

[16] Ensure transparency in the global animal disease situation Another key objective for WOAH is the provision of increased transparency, well-structured policies, increased resources to support Members, strengthened partnerships, and the notification and monitoring of global diseases and shared information via the Organisation's health information system, WAHIS.

The International Committee passes resolutions, developed with the support of Commissions elected by delegates, and implemented at WOAH's headquarters.

WOAH's Council meets at least twice a year to examine technical and administrative issues, such as the working programme and budgets that will be presented to the Assembly.

It was in 1939 that WOAH moved to the aristocratic district of Parc Monceau, after having occupied premises since 1927 near the Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, that had been provided by the French Higher Public Health Council.

In May 1938, the WOAH members gave Dr Emmanuel Leclainche [fr], the Organisation's founder and first Director General, full powers to buy a townhouse in Paris, using the reserve fund.

12 rue de Prony was built in 1879, in Neo-Renaissance style, by the celebrated architect Jean-Louis Pascal for the Austrian baron Jonas von Königswater, a former banker and railway owner.

A succession of major works to renovate and modernise the headquarters were undertaken by the directors general elected after Leclainche: Gaston Ramon, René Vittoz, Louis Blajan, Jean Blancou and Bernard Vallat [fr].

Due to the headlong development of the Organisation (tripling of the staff and the budget since 2001), additional premises have been rented at 14 rue de Prony since 2004.

These representations can be found in the following destinations: Africa Americas Asia and the Pacific Europe Middle East WOAH's Specialist Commissions collaborate with its global scientific network and are responsible for the official recognition of animal health status.

The commission is made up of internationally recognised specialists elected by the World Assembly of Delegates, these experts provide advice on the diagnosis, prevention, and control of aquatic diseases.

The Scientific Commission, on the other hand, examines voluntary requests from the Organisation's Members regarding disease-specific animal health status.

They include: Africa Americas Asia and Pacific Europe Additionally, ad hoc groups convened at the initiative of the Director General provide expert advice on key topics.