Strengthening Collaboration Across Our Reference Centre Network

Joint  network meeting identifies shared challenges and practical solutions to improve animal disease diagnostics

WOAH recently hosted a joint meeting of Reference Centre networks at its headquarters. Experts on African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants, rabies, OFFLU—the WOAH-FAO network of expertise on animal influenza—and wildlife health convened to address shared technical and operational challenges. The meeting aimed to identify synergies and provide practical guidance to improve the diagnosis and surveillance of priority animal diseases.

Although animal diseases differ in epidemiology, they often largely affect the same regions and face similar technical hurdles. During the meeting, experts discussed key cross-cutting issues and provided the following insights.

Nagoya Protocol Implementation 

WOAH and its Members support the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol through the development of technical guidance, pathogen emergency access protocols and national legislation. These efforts aim to strengthen disease surveillance, control and vaccine innovation.

Genomic Platforms Fit-for-Purpose

Sharing genetic material is currently hindered by inconsistent nomenclature, fragmented access to multiple databases, a lack of harmonised standards and high costs of designing and maintaining the platforms. Experts explored adapting existing platforms—such as OpenFMD—tailored to meet their respective network needs.

Point-of-Care Tests for Priority Animal Diseases

Point-of-care (PoC) tests offer rapid, on-site results that can guide immediate decision-making. Network experts will support the development of PoC tests for priority animal diseases, collaborating with the WOAH Biological Standards Commission to integrate validation requirements into the Terrestrial Manual.

Availability and Sharing of Reagents

Reference Centres are responsible for producing and distributing quality-assured diagnostic reagents. Networks will make their reagents available from the WOAH-approved reference reagents and coordinate with the Biobank project to align efforts.

Sequence Data Sharing for Network Activities and Public Databases

Experts recommended establishing mechanisms for specimen and data sharing to accelerate research and development. A checklist will help ensure data, shared in standards, meets FAIR principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

WOAH was encouraged to integrate training videos in its Terrestrial and Aquatic Manuals and continue to promote One Health synergies between veterinary and public health laboratories. Experts also proposed establishing reference laboratories for common diagnostic methods like ELISA and PCR.

Proficiency Testing

One of the core responsibilities of Reference Laboratories is to participate in and coordinate diagnostic proficiency testing (PT) to ensure diagnostic quality and consistency. Experts proposed resource-efficient PT strategies aligned with the Terrestrial Manual and recommended publishing a list of PT schemes, organisers and indicative costs on the WOAH website.

Shipment of Samples and Reagents

Shipping challenges undermine lab operations in endemic settings. Experts urged WOAH to support national capacity building for safe, compliant shipment of infectious materials, including training on IATA regulations and updated guidance.

Engaging Members and Regional Networks

The Reference Centre networks aim to involve more laboratories from low-and middle-income Members and address their capacity needs. Strengthening ties with regional networks like GF-TADs was also recommended. Members are encouraged to actively engage with Reference Centres, even those beyond their own regions.

WOAH, in coordination with the Biological Standards Commission, will develop an implementation plan to follow up on these recommendations.

Contact: Science Department ([email protected])