Welcome to the homepage of an animal health
research project of the European Commission!

This project will improve the diagnosis of nine OIE List A diseases, by directly addressing Task 2 (Diagnostic tests, new technologies), Priority thematic area 8 (1.4). It also addresses the recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW). The programme will focus on new and emerging technologies, specifically the development, validation and dissemination of robust, specific and sensitive diagnostic tests for OIE List A diseases. It will combine the development of improved “front line” diagnostics, like dip-stick tests, that can be used by veterinarians in the field with development of robust and simple nucleic acid and antigen-antibody detection methodologies to be used in local laboratories and in abattoirs. In addition, the work programme will develop and evaluate diagnostic tests for OIE List A diseases based on the most recent advances in real-time PCR technology and methods to detect nucleic acids without thermocycling.

The project brings together an extended multidisciplinary scientific team. This combination of partners will result the development of new diagnostic methods, which will be applicable world-wide, while maintaining solid European control. Global dissemination of the results is provided by the structure of the consortium.

The concept is in support of the stated EU ethos of global international co-operation being encouraged for RTD activities, which deserve being tackled in a broader trans-boundary context. Success of the project will result in improved welfare for animals and reduction of the danger of large epizooties.

The outcome will have a positive impact on consumer concerns in Europe. Because List A diseases permanently threaten the EU, a multinational and multidisciplinary research effort is appropriate and will contribute to realise the objectives of the priority thematic area: policy-orientated research.