National Reference Centre for Exotic Diseases of Animals

The National Reference Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases (CESME) was officially established at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, in Teramo by the Ministerial Decree (DM) of the2^nd May 1991. In accordance to its competences, defined by the DM of the2^nd May 1991 and the DM of the4^th October 1999, the Centre defines its objectives and plans the specific activities.

In particular CESME is responsible for:

• the development and dissemination of standardized diagnostic assays to the national laboratories and the continuous monitoring of their diagnostic capabilities;
• the production, storage and distribution of diagnostic reagents;
• the typing of isolates and their proper storage;
• the development of new diagnostic methods;
• the training of personnel in diagnostic and epidemiological fields;
• establishing collaborations with international diagnostic Centres;
• performing laboratory diagnosis using traditional and molecular techniques;
• the coordination of entomological activities, particularly focused on vector borne pathogens;
• developing surveillance plans and preparing operating procedures;
• the participation to national and international projects in the field of foreign animal diseases;
• the management of epidemic emergencies following the outbreak of any exotic disease and providing technical and scientific support for epidemiological investigations and diagnosis.

CESME provides its scientific advice to International organizations such as WOAH, FAO and WHO, to the veterinary services of the Ministry of Health both at central and local levels, to other IIZZSS and to other institutions and Organizations.