European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease

The main objectives of the AI/ND EURL is to collaborate with the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) in order to create networks of excellence for AI and ND diagnosis, surveillance and control, and to set up strong research groups able to answer unresolved questions on AI and ND.

Tasks and duties of the AI/ND EURL are:

• Providing expertise on diagnosis, epidemiology and control of AI and ND
• Regularly assessing quality assurance of rapid and confirmatory methods in use in NRLs
• Characterizing AI and ND viruses by the most relevant techniques
• Collecting/collating data and information on diagnostic methods and results
• Developing and maintaining an active network among the NRLs
• Storing and supplying viruses and reference materials, including reference antisera
• Actively evaluating and developing new tests, upgrading existing methods to make them fit for their intended purpose
• Updating activity programmes in compliance with EU standard methods, making sure they fit for purpose against the changing viruses
• Implementing training courses and setting up professional development strategies for the benefit of national experts through workshops, annual NRL conferences, guidance notes and ad hoc consultations
• Offering support and advice to the EU Commission DG SANTE, EFSA, ECDC, to competent authorities in EU Member States (MS) and to other stakeholders
• Providing epidemiological support to design and analyse results from surveillance programmes implemented in EU MS
• Taking into account One Health implications in relation to AI and setting up a network with public health professionals
• Acting as intersection among third countries, which are EU trading partners, making sure they are prepared to face disease threats in compliance with EU requested standards
• Providing scientific and technical assistance to disease control policies in compliance with EU documentation
• Making its expertise available to the Commission for emergency secondment and missions, if required

The IZSVe has managed several outbreaks in Italy involving low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. In addition, it has supported several Middle Eastern, Central Asian and African countries in facing and combating HPAI and LPAI infections.

• Management of outbreaks involving AI and ND viruses
• Production and distribution of reference reagents
• Identification and characterization of isolates obtained during epidemics and surveillance activities
• Organization of ring trials at national and international level
• Organization of laboratory trainings for the diagnosis of AI and ND
• Phylogenetic analysis of AI and ND viruses
• Development of research programs to improve knowledge and tools for AI and ND diagnose and control
• Storage viruses and sera in the IZSVe veterinary biobank

All the laboratory techniques for diagnosis, complete characterization of isolates and research activities related to infections involving AI and ND viruses are performed.

Serological (HI, AGID, ELISA, SN and MN) and classic virology (isolation in embryonated eggs and primary and continuous cell cultures) tests are commonly used for diagnosis and research. HI, AGID and virus isolation have been accredited for many years.

In addition, traditional biomolecular techniques (RT-PCR, real time RT-PCR and genomic sequencing) as well as new advanced methods (i.e. Next Generation Sequencing) and bioinformatics tools are routinely used to study viral evolutionary and spatial dynamics. Some of these methods have already been accredited.