OIE Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres: 1st International Conference, Florianopolis, December 2006: Proceedings(128 Developments in Biologicals)

The 'OIE Global Network' of Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres is a key resource for the early and accurate diagnosis of animal disease pathogens and information pertaining to them. It provides expert support with the supply of science-based international reagents as well as the development of standards and guidelines for animal welfare and the food safety aspects of animal production, and recommendations for the prevention, detection and control of diseases such as zoonoses. The first international meeting of experts from 'OIE Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres' addressed the updating and setting of standards for methodologies in the fields of diagnostics, vaccine quality and biosecurity; the improvement of methods for internet networking, and the building of closer links between existing Reference Laboratories, Collaborating Centres and national and private veterinary laboratories. It demonstrated the need for OIE institutions to support developing and in-transition countries in facing current challenges and new threats linked to globalization and climate change through twinning, capacity building, and training programs.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Vallat, B.; OIE Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres: Mandates and Rules; The Work of the OIE Biological Standards Commission: Edwards, S.; The Work of the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission: Hill, B.; The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Experience in the Development of Validation Systems Leading to the OIE Certification of Diagnostic Assays: Unger, H.; Crowther, J.; Development of a Framework for International Certification by the OIE of Diagnostic Tests Validated as Fit for Purpose: Wright, P.; Edwards, S.; Diallo, A.; Jacobson, R.; International Harmonisation: Dehaumont, P.; Lambert, C.; Application of Laboratory Practices; The OIE and the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians: A New Partnership: Carter, C.; The Changing World of Biocontainment and Biosecurity: Jeggo, M.; Quality Systems in Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratories: Branco de Freitas Maia, L.M.; Current Status and Approval of Laboratory Networking; Regulatory Constraints for the Transport of Samples and Compliance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Standards for Biosecurity and Biocontainment: Pearson, J.E.; WAHIS and the Role of the OIE's Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres: Ben Jebara, K.; The New Policy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and its Reference Centres for the Animal Production and Health Division: Lubroth, J.; New Approaches; Responses to a Questionnaire on Networking between OIE Reference Laboratories and OIE Collaborating Centres: Bruckner, G.K.; Linnane, S.; Diaz, F.; Vallat, B.; Developing Standards: The Role of the OIE Expert: Drew, T.W.; Matthews, D.; International Reference Laboratory Networks: Challenges and Benefits: Edwards, S.; Experiences of an OIE Collaborating Centre in Molecular Diagnosis of Transboundary Animal Diseases: A Review: Belak, S.; The Way Forward; The OIE Concept of Laboratory Twinning: Erlacher-Vindel, E.; Bruckner, G.K.; Vallat, B.; How to Improve the Efficiency of Veterinary Laboratories: Cousins, D.; Reference Laboratory Networking: the European Experience in Brucellosis: Garin-Bastuji, B.; The Role of Diagnostic Laboratories in Support of Animal Disease Surveillance Systems: Zepeda, C.; General Recommendations; Resolution: Strengthening the Networking between OIE Reference Laboratories, OIE Collaborating Centres and National Veterinary Laboratories to Enhance the Even Global Spread of Veterinary Scientific Knowledge and Expertise; Poster Session.