National Reference Laboratory on notifiable animal diseases
About this expertise
In short- Reference diagnostics for notifiable animal diseases
- Quality assurance for veterinary laboratories
- Confirmatory testing and expert advice
- Coordination with national and international authorities
Within the Bioveterinary Research domain, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) acts as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for a wide range of notifiable animal diseases. We safeguard diagnostic reliability and support the Dutch government and international partners with confirmatory testing, standardisation and scientific advice to protect animal health, public health and food safety.
As the National Reference Laboratory for notifiable animal diseases, we play a key role in monitoring and controlling notifiable and emerging animal diseases. Recognised by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), our scientists provide confirmatory diagnostics, quality assurance and scientific support for a wide range of animal pathogens.
As the NRL, we are responsible for maintaining and improving national diagnostic capacity. We:
- Conduct reference analyses to confirm diagnostic results
- Provide reference materials and standard operating procedures
- Organise ring trials to ensure consistent laboratory performance
Our scientists also develop and validate new diagnostic methods in close collaboration with other European and international reference laboratories, including the EURLs. We collaborate closely within the international network of Reference Laboratories, ensuring shared learning and global preparedness.
More information
Our reference laboratory status covers a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viral, bacterial, parasitic, and vector-borne diseases affecting livestock, wildlife and aquatic species. See the full list in the NVWA-register, LAB23 or on wetten.nl (links in Dutch).
We provide scientific and technical advice to the Netherlands Food and Veterinary Authority (NVWA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and international partners, such as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Through our international collaborations, we strengthen preparedness for emerging and re-emerging diseases, ensuring that Dutch veterinary diagnostics meet ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standards.
Beyond routine reference work, we contribute to research and innovation in diagnostic development, risk assessment and disease control strategies. Our experts collaborate with universities, research institutes and private laboratories to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce testing time and enable evidence-based decision-making. By combining scientific excellence with public responsibility, we bridge the gap between fundamental research and policy implementation.
As the NRL for notifiable diseases, we ensure that Dutch veterinary diagnostics remain independent, transparent and internationally recognised, enabling swift, coordinated responses to disease outbreaks and health crises.
Notifiable animal diseases
The National Reference Laboratory diagnoses and investigates the diseases listed below, among others:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals
Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, so safe and responsible use is essential. We investigate the occurrence, transmission and prevention of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria of animal origin.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals
Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, so safe and responsible use is essential. We investigate the occurrence, transmission and prevention of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria of animal origin.
Avian influenza (bird flu)
Avian influenza is a collective term for influenza viruses that mainly cause disease in birds. Some strains can also infect humans (zoonoses). In addition to diagnostics, we conduct research on the virus, its spread, and effective prevention and control.
Bluetongue
Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease in sheep and other ruminants, such as cattle and goats. Infection is mainly transmitted by bites from infected midges that carry the bluetongue virus (BTV). We study where the virus is present and how it spreads. Our research also focuses on testing BTV vaccines and the role of midges in transmission.
Botulism
Botulism causes paralysis in humans and animals and is often fatal. We perform diagnostic testing on materials from both human and animal cases. In 2025 we introduced a new animal-free test.
Bovine tuberculosis
Bovine tuberculosis is an infectious disease in cattle that occurs worldwide and is transmissible to humans (zoonoses). We conduct research into the nature of the disease and effective control strategies.
Foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals, including livestock. The different serotypes can only be distinguished in the laboratory. We provide diagnostics and monitor trends and developments in an international context.
Q fever
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and can occur in almost all common farm animals, as well as in pets, rodents and birds. It is zoonotic and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Alongside diagnostics, we study the bacterium and the epidemiology of this disease.
Swine fever
We perform diagnostics for both classical swine fever and African swine fever (ASF), viral diseases affecting domestic pigs and wild boar. We also coordinate monitoring of wild boar populations for African swine fever.
Bee diseases
Notifiable bee diseases in the Netherlands include American foulbrood (AFB), the Small hive beetle and Tropilaelaps mite disease. If a suspicion arises of any of these diseases or pests, the beekeeper is legally obliged to report it. Through prompt reporting and diagnosis spread of disease can be contained and further infection of other colonies prevented. The aim is to safeguard bee health and to prevent introduction of new bee diseases or pests, including through import. Our primary tasks are maintaining and sharing expertise on notifiable bee diseases, and carrying out diagnostics in cases of suspected infection and for import control.
Aquaculture and diseases
We support fish and shellfish health with targeted diagnostics, surveillance design, outbreak analysis, and biosecurity advice.
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