New Roles for “Auxiliary Labs” in the Diagnosis of FMD?

Conclusions: Several member states maintain national laboratories able to diagnose FMD in case of an outbreak which are important for the whole European Community. However, they lack the funding for a facility fully complying with the „Minimum Standards“. Technically, modern diagnostic methods (PCR, ELISA) allow to test samples from suspect cases in „Auxiliary Labs“ in a safe, fast and efficient way. However, current regulations do not fully reflect this situation. Recommendations: - Update “Minimum Standards“ and Council Directive 2003/85/EC in respect to auxiliary labs - Allocate sufficient funding for diagnostic and research laboratries