The Unit, an integral part of the National Reference Centre for the Study and Diagnosis of Exotic Diseases (CESME), primarily focuses on diagnosing specific viral infectious diseases that are sporadic or at risk of introduction in Italy, in accordance with the mandate established by the Ministerial Decree of 2 May 1991. Its activities also include the surveillance and control of the viruses responsible for these diseases, which pose a potential risk to animal health and public health.

In particular, the unit develops methodologies for diagnosing major viral infectious diseases in domestic animals, as well as conducting research, testing, and production of materials and reagents necessary to provide reliable, simple, and rapid diagnostic tests. It also organises interlaboratory proficiency testing schemes for the Istituti Zooprofilattici Sperimentali (IIZZSS) network and acquires in-depth knowledge of these diseases, exploring critical aspects such as the causative agent, diagnostic methods, and applicable control measures at national and international levels.

The unit is also involved in creating a database on the epidemiological status of the most relevant exotic diseases worldwide. It contributes to drafting operational manuals to support the National Emergency Plan (PNE). Additionally, it manages the procurement of diagnostic reagents and protocols required for laboratory diagnosis of exotic diseases at risk of introduction or endemic establishment in the national territory.

Another key area of activity is maintaining contact with international laboratories and research centres specialising in major exotic diseases. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the unit develops training programmes for Veterinary Services on exotic diseases with the greatest impact on animal and public health.

The unit collaborates with the Department for Human Health, Animal Health, Ecosystem Health (One Health), the International Relations Office of the Ministry of Health, and the National Reference Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology, Planning, Information, and Risk Analysis (COVEPI) in preparing and updating the annual national plan for arbovirus surveillance and response, with a particular focus on West Nile virus and Usutu virus. It also monitors the outcomes of surveillance activities alongside COVEPI to assess the health status of affected territories and animal populations, adjusting intervention strategies accordingly.

Finally, in partnership with COVEPI and the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, the unit coordinates the weekly epidemiological bulletin on the spread of West Nile and Usutu viruses in Italy. This publication integrates data from veterinary and human surveillance. The unit also provides analytical, technical, and scientific support in managing activities related to arboviruses, serving as the regional reference laboratory for human, entomological, and veterinary surveillance.