FAO Reference Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology

In July 2012 the IZSAM was designated FAO Reference Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology. FAO Reference Centres are nominated by the Director General of the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation based on assessed expertise and results obtained in areas pertaining to the mandate and FAO activities. The active participation of the institution and its contribution to the realisation of FAO key priorities are additional criteria taken into account in the selection of Reference Centres. Such centres are required to provide specific and independent scientific and technical advice, supporting FAO's operations aiming to enhance the technical and scientific development of the Organisation's member states.

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” recognized for its activities in veterinary epidemiology, risk assessment, geographical information systems (GIS) and related web applications for the surveillance of vector-borne diseases, and development of innovative diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of animal diseases, has been designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as an “FAO Reference Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology”.

Upon request from and in collaboration with FAO, the FAO Reference Centre shall:

• provide advice and expertise on veterinary epidemiology at large and in particular on risk analysis and risk management for vector borne diseases to FAO or countries which are FAO Members;
• inform FAO with regard to changes in epidemiologic situations of animal diseases and to any risks that have been identified to be associated to animal diseases;
• assess risks associated to an animal diseases and provide advice on appropriate surveillance methods;
• evaluate tests for the diagnosis of the diseases in its area of expertise such as bluetongue and West Nile disease and advise FAO;
• make expertise available to contribute to capacity building programs in countries which are FAO Members or at regional level. This support includes the organization of training courses and workshops in relation to the Reference Centre status;
• provide technical expert services (consultation, meetings) to FAO.

Paolo Calistri - p.calistri@izs.it – head of the FAO Reference Centre, veterinarian