International projects
Development and enhancement of laboratory networks for avian influenza
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
08023 |
PhD Olga Zorman Rojs |
Veterinarian medicine |
Head |
2007 - 2011 |
423 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Currently, within the European Union, a largely informal communications system exists between the avian influenza (AI) national reference laboratories (NRL's), coordinated by the community reference laboratory (CRL). The current global H5N1 crisis has resulted in a significantly increased demand for laboratory capacity and capabilities for AI diagnosis and surveillance.The exponential growth in AI work has highlighted the benefits of closer collaboration within the network that we propose to address. Spread to humans has also highlighted real concerns of the pandemic potential of H5N1, reinforcing the need for closer integration between veterinary and public health laboratories. FLU-LAB-NET, provides new opportunities for enhancement and reinforcement of the CRL and NRL networks within the EU, facilitating improvements and harmonisation of laboratory and diagnostic methods, coordination of research efforts, data exchange, as well as development and sharing of expertise.Rapid responses to national and global emergencies with data sharing will be key areas of exploitation, leading to a European laboratory task force capability for AI in animal species. Rapid and formal interactive communications will be addressed through the application of web-based forums. The envisaged network will also encompass participation of laboratories involved in influenza research in domestic mammals and foster formal links and coordination with corresponding human, swine and equine influenza networks. FLU-LAB-NET provides a vision of enhanced interactions, identifying and developing the complementarities of global, multi-disciplinary influenza research programmes.Strategically important Third country and INCO partners are also included in this network, in order to raise laboratory standards and benefit from knowledge sharing. This will promote promote greater trust, understanding and early access to information that may be of importance to both veterinary and public health in the EU.
