The Centre is celebrating the publication of its fourth scientific paper as a result of the work carried out in Activity 3 in 2021. In this study, we examined the validity of six methods for dust assessment in layer barns. The methods were either developed for the purpose or as a refinement of existing methods. Of the six methods examined, the dust sheet test with a test duration of 2–3 h was found to be the most promising method. This article named "Validation of methods for assessment of dust levels in layer barns" is available here.

The Centre is celebrating the publication of its third scientific paper as a result of the work carried out in Activity 3 in 2021 and 2022. The technical study aimed at evaluating the prevalence and the inter-observer repeatability of the most valid and feasible animal-based indicators (ABIs) of the state of consciousness after waterbath stunning (WBS) in turkeys before bleeding (tonic seizure, breathing, spontaneous blinking, and vocalization) and during bleeding (wing flapping, breathing, spontaneous swallowing, and head shaking). This article named "Relevant Indicators of Consciousness after Waterbath Stunning in Turkeys and Stunning Efficiency in Commercial Conditions" is available here. 

Update on April 17th 2023 On March 1st 2023, protection zones around Saint-Pierre and Saint-Joseph were removed. A surveillance zone of 10 km around outbreaks in Saint-Philippe was set up with the same measures than previously in place in protection zones (Figure 1). Identification and traceability of colony movements were set up for the entire territory. Surveillance continues and the objective remains at the moment eradication of SHB. On April 3rd 2023, a new case was found in Saint-Philippe in the surveillance zone. SHB adults were detected in colonies. Since the first detection on July 5th 2022, 14 SHB cases have been confirmed. Figure 1 Map of SHB cases and new surveillance zone for monitoring of SHB presence (01/03/2023) See more information (in French): On the new measures in place since March 1st 2023 (Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Forest – DAAF of La Reunion) On the last case found in Saint-Philippe (francetvinfo.fr) Situation on February 14th 2023 On 5th july 2022, one case of infestation by A. tumida was detected in an apiary located in the municipality of Saint-Pierre in the French island of La Reunion[1]. The case was confirmed the next day by the French NRL. Adults of SHB were detected in three colonies out of the 17 in the apiary. Until then this territory, situated in the Indian Ocean, was free of this coleopteran. The SHB had been detected in Mauritius in 2016 [2] and is present in Madagascar since 2013[3]. All colonies from this apiary were euthanised and burnt. Soil was treated with insecticides. A 10 km radius zone was set up surrounding the case: a protection zone of 5 km radius surrounded by a surveillance zone of 5 km radius. Measures were set up in these zones: identification and inspection of apiaries, set up of traps in honey bee colonies, restrictions of movements of bees and bee products. On 7th July 2022, a new case was detected in an apiary located in the municipality of Saint-Philippe, 30 km East from Saint-Pierre. This case was epidemiologically linked to the first outbreak. Nine other cases were detected in the protection zone surrounded this second case in the following weeks. Another case was detected on 19th July in the municipality of Saint- Joseph located between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Philippe (see Figure 1). The same sanitary measures were applied to all these cases, with the aim of eradicating. On 21st July 2022, a total of 12 cases were detected in La Reunion island (all located in the south of the island). Figure 1 Map of inspections and SHB cases in the different zones for monitoring of SHB presence (28/09/2022)   Mostly SHB adult specimens were detected. In only two cases, SHB larvae were found, indicating that the beetle had already undertaken in at least one reproductive cycle in the territory. Inspections are still ongoing in all apiaries located in the surveillance and protection zones and in selected apiaries in the rest of the island. During the next following six months no new case were detected. On 3rd February 2023, two adults of SHB were identified in an apiary in the protection zone of Saint-Philippe, during a re-inspection. This brings the number of cases to a total of 13 since the first detection in July 2022. Surveillance continues and the objective remains at the moment eradication of SHB. Epidemiological investigations and phylogenetic analysis of the origin of introduction are still underway. The Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/110 of 12 January 2023 added La Reunion island to the list of zones subject to emergency measures as regards confirmed cases of infestation with SHB and repealed Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/597. [1] La Reunion island is a French department located in Indian Ocean ~700 km East from Madagascar and ~177 km West from Mauritius. [2] Muli, E., et al. (2018). "Small hive beetle infestations in Apis mellifera unicolor colonies in Mauritius island, Mauritius." Bee World 95(2): 44-45 [3] Rasolofoarivao, H., et al. (2013). "Spread and strain determination of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) in Madagascar since its first report in 2010." Exp Appl Acarol 60(4): 521-530.    

A report of several FMD outbreaks in Iraq has been mentioned recently. Interestingly, the virus strain circulating in Iraq is related to SAT-2, topotype XIV, and closely related to SAT-2 strains ETH/3/22 and ETH/2/22 (collected from cattle in Sodo, Wolaita, SNNPR in March 2022). Moreover, the virus is currently circulating in Jordan, and has been found closely related/identical to the mentioned Iraqi virus.  For more information: https://promedmail.org/promed-post/?id=20230204.8708168 ; https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4856        

At the end of January, EURL staff was informed by the NRL in Cyprus about moth specimens identified as S. frugiperda after real-time PCR molecular analysis. These specimens had been trapped at Pissouri Village by an amateur entomologist and quickly delivered to the NRL. Two adult specimens were sent to ANSES and AGES for morphological and molecular confirmations that did not left any doubt: this priority quarantine pest crossed the Union borders. Spodoptera frugiperda worldwide spread has been strikingly rapid and relentless. Native to tropical-subtropical areas of the Americas, this moth is a migratory species capable of flying north up to southern Canada every summer. It cannot therefore be excluded that the moth flew to the island of Cyprus from the surrounding countries of the Mediterranean basin where it is present. According to EFSA, Cyprus is one of the European countries where the pest could find suitable climatic conditions for its establishment, as well as southern regions of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta and Greece. Enhanced monitoring will be necessary in Cyprus to determine the actual establishment and extent of distribution In other EU countries excepted the northernmost ones. Detailed information on the risk analysis, potential spread and economic impact for EU can be found on EFSA website. Maximum vigilance is required by the NRLs' network Identification guidance is available in the training sessions part We may fulfill reference material requests  

Recent outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth disease in Comoros (December 2022)   In December 2022, Foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been identified in Ngazidja, Comoros (information delivered by National Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment (INRAPE) and the breeding department). The disease seems to arrive from Tanzania and Kenya aboard a boat which transported animals (oxen and goats). INRAPE calls for compliance with the measures introduced pending the identification of the strain of the disease, which will make it possible to introduce the appropriate vaccine. For more information: - https://promedmail.org/promed-post/?id=20221227.8707478; - https://www.al-fajrquotidien.com/sante-la-fievre-aphteuse-signalee-a-ngazidja/

The registration to the 14th workshop for rabies that will be held on 21 and 22 June 2023 in Ljubljana  is now open. As the previous edition, the workshop will be an hybrid conference event. This will allow, participants to choose whether to participate remotely, or physically. This 14th session of the workshop for rabies will address the current situation of rabies surveillance and control in EU. More details like the provisional agenda will be soon relayed to registered participants. Registration to this event is restricted to National reference laboratories from the EU and selected partners of the EURL network and can be done until Febuary 27, 2023 .  See you soon in Ljubljana ! 

EURL GUIDANCE : EURL Guidance Document on the Extension of quantitative confirmation methods  -  Version 1.0 of 22 July 2021 Published on 04/01/2022

EURL GUIDANCE : EURL Guidance Document on confirmation methods validation  -  Version 1.1 of 25 November 2021 Published on 04/01/2022

Agenda Program 2023 is now available since January 2023.