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:

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.

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.