Responses to a questionnaire on networking between OIE Reference Laboratories and OIE Collaborating Centres

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Global Health Security
• Laboratory Networking

Background:

• The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) relies on a network of Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres.
• Effective collaboration is crucial for global animal disease surveillance and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current state of networking and collaboration among OIE Reference Laboratories.
• To assess collaboration between OIE Reference Laboratories and OIE Collaborating Centres.
• To identify potential shortcomings in existing laboratory networks.

Main Methods:

• Distributed two separate questionnaires to 20 OIE Collaborating Centres and 160 OIE Reference Laboratories.
• Questionnaires focused on inter-laboratory relationships, information exchange, expertise sharing, training needs, and biosecurity.
• Responses were collated, categorized, and statistically evaluated.

Main Results:

• Gathered valuable data on the current status of networking within the OIE laboratory network.
• Identified specific areas where networking and collaboration could be enhanced.
• Provided insights into inter-laboratory relationships and information sharing practices.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully identified the current status of networking among OIE laboratories.
• Highlighted potential shortcomings that need addressing to improve global veterinary laboratory collaboration.
• Data provides a basis for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the OIE network.