The National Reference Centre for Brucellosis was established at the central headquarters of the Istituto G. Caporale by the Ministerial Decree of 4 October 1999. Its specific tasks are as follows:

• confirming the diagnosis of brucellosis made by other laboratories, where required;
• standardization of the methods of analysis;
• commencement, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (ISS), of suitable Ring Tests among Institutes;
• production, supply, stockholding and distribution to other Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes or other research bodies of standard reagents, such as antigens, antibodies and antiserums;
• the use and dissemination of official methods of analysis;
• organizing training courses for staff of other Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes;
• supplying other Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes and other research bodies with information about new developments in the specialized sector;
• the preparation of intervention plans;
• collaboration with other Reference Centres in EU or non-EU countries;
• providing the Ministry of Health with specialist technical assistance and information.

Head: Dr. Massimo Scacchia - Dr. Manuela Tittarelli