WOAH Collaborating Centres

In 1997, the IZSAM was acknowledged as OIE Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Epidemiology and Management of Veterinary Services. In 2004 its mandate was expanded becoming OIE Collaborating Centre for Veterinary Training, Epidemiology, Food Safety and Animal Welfare. In 2020 the Collaborating Centre for Veterinary Training, Epidemiology, Food Safety and Animal Welfare has been modified with the establishment of 4 new Collaborating Centres:

• WOAH Collaborating Centre for Animal Production Food Safety
• WOAH Collaborating Centre for Animal Welfare
• WOAH Collaborating Centre for Epidemiology, modelling and surveillance
• WOAH Collaborating Centre for Veterinary Training and Capacity Building

The OIE has a worldwide network of Collaborating Centres located in all continents.

OIE Collaborating Centres are centres of expertise in a specific designated sphere of competence relating to the management of general questions on animal health issues ("specialty"). In its designated specialty, they must provide their expertise internationally.

Terms of Reference of the WOAH Collaborating Centres

• To provide services to the WOAH, in particular within the region, in the designated specialty, in support of the implementation of WOAH policies and, where required, seek for collaboration with WOAH Reference Laboratories;
• To propose or develop methods and procedures that facilitate harmonisation of international standards and guidelines applicable to the designated specialty;
• To carry out and/or coordinate scientific and technical studies in collaboration with other centres, laboratories or organisations;

• To collect, process, analyse, publish and disseminate data and information relevant to the designated specialty;

• To provide, within the designated specialty, scientific and technical training to personnel from WOAH Member Countries;

• To organise and participate in scientific meetings and other activities on behalf of the OIE;

• To identify and maintain existing expertise, in particular within its region;

• To establish and mantain a network with other OIE Collaborating Centres designated for the same specialty, and should the need arise, with Collaborating Centres in other disciplines;
• To place expert consultants at the disposal of the OIE.

 Heads of the Collaborating Centres:

• WOAH CC for Animal Production Food Safety: Francesco Pomilio - f.pomilio@izs.it
• WOAH CC for Animal Welfare: Daniela Morelli - d.morelli@izs.it
• WOAH CC for Epidemiology, modelling and surveillance: Paolo Calistri - p.calistri@izs.it
• WOAH CC for Veterinary Training and Capacity Building: Silvia D’Albenzio - s.dalbenzio@izs.it