WOAH REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
Recognized on 2013
Designated reference Expert: Dr. Santina Grazioli
Address:
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia (Italy)
Tel +39 030 2290 370
Email: santina.grazioli@izsler.it
In addition to the designated expert, personnel devolved to activities and duties of the reference laboratory includes: scientists (Dr. Giulia Pezzoni, Dr. Giampietro Maccabiani, Dr. Tiziana Trogu), researchs employed in research projects and some technicians and collaborators.
The WOAH Reference Laboratory is part of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), a Technical-Scientific Body providing a broad range of services in the Public Veterinary sectors for Animal Health and Food Safety, in particular diagnosis and research on transmissible and diffusive animal diseases and zoonoses [link video in inglese].
The hosting Institute, that also acts as National Reference Centre for vesicular disease and FAO Reference Centre for FMDV and SVDV, is among labs authorized to use live FMD within EU. Conformity of the laboratory with “Minimum biorisk management standards for laboratories working with foot-and-mouth disease virus” has been assessed by an FVO audit in 2012 and annually checked by regular audits conducted by the technical specific branch of the National Central Authority.
The WOAH reference laboratories (vai) has a specific mission statement in agreement with the specific mandate by WOAH. In this framework the activities carried out by our staff include: diagnostic services, development of diagnostic methods, production and distribution of reagents, research and cooperation projects, education and training, consulting and supporting for public and private stakeholders.