WOAH Reference Centers

NVI is WOAH Reference Laboratory on Chronic Wasting Disease and for infections with Gyrodactylosis salaris, Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) and Salmonid alpha virus (SAV). Each infection has a dedicated expert. In addition, NVI is also an WOAH Collaborating center for Epidemiology and Risk Assessment of Aquatic Animal Diseases.

WOAH is a World Organisation for Animal Health and is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. The WOAH Reference Laboratories are designated to collaborate with member countries around the world to confirm diagnoses and exchange knowledge in diagnostics, disease education and epidemiology. The requirements are described in the OIE Terms of Reference.

In addition, NVI has an appointed WOAH Focal Point on wildlife, who acts as an expert assistant to the Chief Veterinary Officer and a national contact point for WOAH in professional issues within the area of competence.