WOAH Reference Laboratory for Avian Mycoplasmosis (M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae)

Activities and services

The main activities of the WOAH Reference Laboratory for avian mycoplasmosis (M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae) are:

• Mycoplasma detection in diagnostic samples through culturing and molecular tests;
• species identification and genotyping of gallisepticum and M. synoviae strains through molecular biology methods and gene sequencing;
• evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on avian mycoplasmas;
• serological evaluation of poultry groups for gallisepticum and M. synoviae.

Mandate and activities of the WOAH Reference Laboratory

• To use, promote and disseminate diagnostic methods validated according to WOAH Standards.
• To recommend the prescribed and alternative tests or vaccines as WOAH Standards.
• To develop reference material in accordance with WOAH requirements, and implement and promote the application of WOAH Standards.
• To store and distribute to national laboratories biological reference products and any other reagents used in the diagnosis and control of the designated pathogens or diseases.
• To develop, standardise and validate according to WOAH Standards new procedures for diagnosis and control of the designated pathogens or diseases.
• To provide diagnostic testing facilities, and, where appropriate, scientific and technical advice on disease control measures to WOAH Member Countries.
• To carry out and/or coordinate scientific and technical studies in collaboration with other laboratories, centres or organisations.
• To collect, process, analyse, publish and disseminate epizootiological data relevant to the designated pathogens or diseases.
• To provide scientific and technical training for personnel from WOAH Member Countries.
• To maintain a system of quality assurance, biosafety and biosecurity relevant for the pathogen and the disease concerned.
• To organise and participate in scientific meetings on behalf of the WOAH.
• To establish and maintain a network with other WOAH Reference Laboratories designated for the same pathogen or disease and organise regular inter-laboratory proficiency testing to ensure comparability of results.
• To organise inter-laboratory proficiency testing with laboratories other than WOAH Reference Laboratories for the same pathogens and diseases to ensure equivalence of results.
• To place expert consultants at the disposal of the WOAH.

Documents & Resources

• IZSVe diagnostic services for Avian mycoplasmosis
• Sampling protocol and deliver to the laboratory for successful isolation of poultry mycoplasma species

Contacts

WOAH Expert

Salvatore Catania
E-mail: scatania@izsvenezie.it
Phone: +39 045 500285
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Staff

Veterinarians
Marianna Merenda, mmerenda@izsvenezie.it
Marco Bottinelli, mbottinelli@izsvenezie.it
Matteo Cornaggia, mcornaggia@izsvenezie.it

Mycoplasma microbiology laboratory technicians
Annalucia Tondo, atondo@izsvenezie.it
Micaela Picchi, mpicchi@izsvenezie.it
Ilenia Rossi, irossi@izsvenezie.it

Biotechnologists
Elisabetta Stefani, estefani@izsvenezie.it
Michele Gastaldelli, mgastaldelli@izsvenezie.it

Serology laboratory technicians
Massimo Bottazzari, mbottazzari@izsvenezie.it

Scolarship holders
Veronica Conci , Verdiana Righetti, Giorgia Nai