Division 2

The functions and duties of the Community reference laboratory for classical swine fever are:

1. (a)

   to coordinate, in consultation with the Commission, the methods employed in the Member States for diagnosing classical swine fever, specifically by:

   • storing and supplying cell cultures for use in diagnosis,

   • typing, storing and supplying strains of classical swine fever virus for serological tests and the preparation of antisera,

   • supplying standardised sera, conjugate sera and other reference reagents to the national laboratories in order to standardise the tests and reagents employed in the Member States,

   • building up and holding a classical swine fever virus collection,

   • organising periodic comparative tests of diagnostic procedures at Community level,

   • collecting and collating data and information on the methods of diagnosis used and the results of tests carried out,

   • characterising isolates of the virus by the most up-to-date methods available to allow greater understanding of the epizootiology of classical swine fever,

   • keeping abreast of developments in classical swine fever surveillance, epizootiology and prevention throughout the world,

   • retaining expertise on the virus causing classical swine fever and other pertinent viruses to enable rapid differential diagnosis,

   • acquiring a thorough knowledge of the preparation and use of the products of veterinary immunology used to eradicate and control classical swine fever;

2. (b)

   to make the necessary arrangements for training or re-training experts in laboratory diagnosis with a view to harmonising diagnostic techniques;

3. (c)

   to have trained personnel available for emergency situations occurring within the Community;

4. (d)

   to perform research activities and whenever possible coordinate research activities directed towards an improved control of classical swine fever.