The OIE concept of laboratory twinning

Laboratory twinning was introduced in 2002, but it was never really taken on board by either OIE Reference Laboratories or OIE Member Countries in need of twinning arrangements. Recent developments in global animal health and an increase in the potential for the rapid global spread of animal diseases and pathogens call for the development and implementation of this concept. The most effective way of detecting, diagnosing, controlling and responding to animal disease and zoonotic incursions is to assure good governance in Member Countries. For this ideal to be realised, the concept laboratory twinning was born to support the development of an even geographical distribution of expertise and Reference Laboratories to facilitate access to experts and the rapid detection and diagnosis of disease. Developing and intransition countries are also in urgent need of better access to scientific expertise to be able to justify and formulate animal health control strategies and assist in the OIE standard setting process.