News
WBVR continues as FAO Reference Centre for FMD and epidemiology
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research has extended its position as FAO Reference Centre for animal health in the domains foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and veterinary epidemiology. The prolongation is valid for a period of five years.
FMD
As a FAO Reference Centre for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) is part of an international network. Together, these laboratories work on improving laboratory tests, strengthening veterinary services and developing good practices in animal health. “FMD is still present in many countries all over the world,” says Aldo Dekker, senior researcher FMD.
“Even though the Netherlands has been free of FMD for quite some time, we have to remain alert. Recent findings in Germany and Eastern Europe underline the importance of surveillance and awareness. Working together within an international network contributes to this and enables us to make progress in combatting this disease, especially in countries where FMD is endemic.”
Veterinary epidemiology
In the context of its responsibilities as FAO Reference Centre, the WBVR Veterinary Epidemiology department contributes to epidemiologic studies, risk assessment, disease modelling and design of surveillance guidelines for livestock diseases including zoonotic diseases. “We also inform FAO with regard to epidemiologic studies,” says veterinary epidemiologist Armin Elbers.
FAO has identified 28 thematic areas that are critical for member countries and for which reference centres are in place. FAO’s global network of Reference Centre’s plays an important role in combating animal diseases.