National Reference Centre for the Scientific Research in Infectious Diseases at the Animal/Human interface – WOAH Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface

Activities and services

The Centre is firmly committed to work as part of a wider network with other WOAH Collaborating Centers, especially those working in the topic of zoonoses.The Centre’s experts are leading and active researchers helping the Collaborating Centre to provide scientific and technical assistance and expert advice on topics linked to diagnosis, surveillance and control of the zoonotic diseases.

They also provide scientific and technical training for veterinaries, technicians and students, and coordinate scientific activities in collaboration with other laboratories or organizations to strengthen their capacity in the field of zoonotic diseases.

Diagnostic capabilities

Centre’s capabilities include laboratory techniques for the conventional diagnosis and the complete characterization of zoonotic pathogens as well as for the serological investigations in sera of animal and human origins.

In addition, molecular techniques (RT-PCR, real time RT-PCR sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing) and bioinformatics tools to study pathogens’ evolution as well as host genetic characteristics are currently used.

The Centre has access to biosafety level 3 laboratory and animal facilities for birds, small mammals and pigs.

Mandate of the WOAH Collaborating Centre

• To provide services to the WOAH, in particular within the region, in the designated specialty, in support of the implementation of WOAH policies and, where required, seek for collaboration with WOAH Reference Laboratories
• To propose or develop methods and procedures that facilitate harmonisation of international standards and guidelines applicable to the designated specialty
• To carry out and/or coordinate scientific and technical studies in collaboration with other centres, laboratories or organisations
• To collect, process, analyse, publish and disseminate data and information relevant to the designated specialty
• To provide, within the designated specialty, scientific and technical training to personnel from WOAH Member Countries
• To organise and participate in scientific meetings and other activities on behalf of the WOAH
• To identify and maintain existing expertise, in particular within its region
• To establish and maintain a network with other WOAH Collaborating Centres designated for the same specialty, and should the need arise, with Collaborating Centres in other disciplines
• To place expert consultants at the disposal of the WOAH

Contacts

Director 
Gioia Capelli
E-mail: gcapelli@izsvenezie.it
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Secretariat
Phone: +39 049 8084391
E-mail: dirsan@izsvenezie.it