The technical standards for diagnostic tests and vaccines are developed and updated collaboratively, through an extensive network of scientific experts in OIE Collaborating Centres and Reference Laboratories throughout the world, and in consultation with Member Country Delegates who review and approve the final texts through a vote at the OIE General Session, which is held in Paris in May of each year. 

These adopted standards are published in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Terrestrial Code) and the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals (Terrestrial Manual).

Bovine tuberculosis is covered in the Terrestrial Code Chapter 8.11. Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex [1] and the Terrestrial Manual Chapter 3.4.6. Bovine tuberculosis [2].

Chapter 8.11, Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, of the Terrestrial Code provides an overview of the animal health standards and requirements for demonstrating freedom from bovine tuberculosis or notifying its presence within a country, zone, compartment or herd, and lists the agreed procedures for ensuring safe international movement of animals and animal products. These recommendations are intended to help manage the human and animal health risks associated with animals infected with a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (M. bovis, M. caprae and M. tuberculosis).

Chapter 3.4.6, Bovine tuberculosis, of the Terrestrial Manual provides a detailed description of the disease and recommended laboratory methods to identify the causative agent, as well as the internationally accepted diagnostic techniques for official disease control and eradication programmes and international trade. This chapter also outines the technical standards for manufacturing and testing bovine tuberculosis vaccines and diagnostic tests.