WOAH, World Organization for Animal Health, was established to effectively prepare for animal diseases at global level
in 1924.
As of 2020, it has total 182 WOAH member countries.
WOAH Reference Laboratory
- WOAH Reference Laboratory refers to a system, targeting on WOAH member countries. A laboratory can be designated as an WOAH Reference Laboratory after going through appropriate procedures. A designated Reference Laboratory functions as a center of expertise and standardization on designated diseases in accordance with WOAH Reference Laboratory Terms of Reference, role and responsibility.
- As of 2020, total 285 Reference Laboratories (37 countries, 117 disease/topic)
- APQA is operating eight WOAH Reference Laboratories for eight animal diseases
| 2009 |
2010 |
2012 |
2013 |
2016 |
2018 |
2020 |
| Brucellosis |
NewCastle Disease |
Rabies/CWD |
Japanese Encephalitis |
FMD |
Salmonellosis |
AI |
Duty and Responsibility
- Provide and produce and distribute biological reference products (reagents etc.) for the designated disease (including non WOAH-approved)
- Develop and disseminate new diagnostic methods of the designated disease
- Gather, process, analyze and disseminate epizootical data relevant to their speciality
- Play a role as an expert (advisor) of the designated disease.
- Provide scientific and technical training programs for WOAH member countries
- Provide diagnostic testing facilities to WOAH member countries
* In the case of results that are confirmed positive for diseases that are reportable to WOAH, the Reference Laboratory should immediately inform the WOAH Delegate of the Member Country from which the samples originated as well as the WOAH Central Bureau.
- Promote a network with other WOAH Reference Laboratories and international organizations for a research purpose
