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Expertise Network
In 2024, WOAH has a global network of 274 Reference Laboratories covering 109 diseases or topics in 40 countries, and 76 Collaborating Centres covering all six main focus areas: almost 36 specialties in 33 countries.
The expertise network constitutes the core of WOAH scientific expertise and excellence.
The WOAH Science System leverages science and uses its scientific network to ensure that its recommendations and technical outputs are based on the latest science, aligned with best practices, and optimised to support WOAH’s missions.
The ongoing contribution of these institutes to the work of WOAH ensures that the standards, guidelines and recommendations developed by the Specialist Commissions and published by the WOAH are scientifically sound and up-to-date.
The expertise network is integrated by the Reference Centres designated either as:
Reference Laboratory
The principal mandate of which is to function as a world reference centre of expertise on designated pathogens or diseases.
Collaborating Centre
The principal mandate of which is to function as a world centre of research, expertise, standardisation of techniques and dissemination of knowledge on a specialty
For use by veterinary services and technical experts, WOAH collates, develops and distributes specific technical information and recommendations on a variety of topics related to animal health.
Two or several Reference Centres may be designated as a Network of Reference Centres, following the Guidance for the Management of WOAH Reference Centre Networks.
WOAH has a procedure for the validation and certification of diagnostic assays, based on regular evaluations by experts. The diagnostic tests validated as fit-for-purpose are included in the Register of WOAH.