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18 July 2024 (Tokyo) – We are pleased to announce the recent establishment of a WOAH Collaborating Centre and three WOAH Reference Laboratories in the Asia Pacific region. Our Expertise Network constitutes the core of WOAH scientific expertise and excellence. These institutes’ ongoing contributions ensure that the standards, guidelines and recommendations developed by our Specialist Commissions and published by WOAH are scientifically sound and up-to-date.
Adding the following partners to our network strengthens work in terrestrial and aquatic animal disease diagnostic techniques and analysis and mitigation of rabies, leptospirosis, and peste des petits ruminants diseases. A full listing of all Collaborating Centers and Reference Laboratories in the region can be found here.
NIFS National Institute of Fisheries Science, Korea (R.O.)
WOAH Collaborating Centre for reference materials of molecular diagnostic techniques in aquatic and terrestrial animal diseases
Our newest WOAH Collaborating Centre, located in the Republic of Korea, focuses on reference materials of molecular diagnostic techniques in aquatic and terrestrial animal diseases. It comprises the National Institute of Fisheries Science, or NIFS (established under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries) and the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, or APQA (under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs).
NIFS supports marine and fisheries research for policy support and dissemination, and has a vision of achieving sustainable oceans and fisheries with innovative research. APQA plays an important role in importing and exporting animals, plants, and livestock, quarantining animal diseases and animal protection, and managing research and development to protect the agriculture and livestock industries.
Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Taipei
WOAH Reference Laboratory for rabies
The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), located in Chinese Taipei, is established under the Ministry of Agriculture and pursues research and development in veterinary science, technology, and advanced diagnostics. Its goal is to strengthen knowledge and technology, expand international cooperation, and cultivate skilled veterinary personnel. VRI is committed to safeguarding public health and the well-being of animals, promoting the competitiveness and sustainable development of the animal industry, and achieving the goal of global health.
It has joined the WOAH Expertise Network as a Reference Laboratory for rabies.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI), India
WOAH Reference Laboratories for leptospirosis and peste des petits ruminants
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI) is a pioneering research institute working with the mandate of research and development in the field of veterinary epidemiology and disease informatics. It carries out disease surveillance, monitoring and impact analysis of livestock diseases in India through collaborative centers found in various states throughout the country. The Institute has a long history of successfully delivering predicted informatics and epidemiological solutions for various animal diseases.
It has joined the WOAH Expertise Network as Reference Laboratories for leptospirosis and peste des petits ruminants.