World Organisation for Animal Health
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Overview of OIE Reference Centres
An OIE Reference Centre is designated either as:
- “OIE Reference Laboratory” the principal mandate of which is to function as a world reference centre of expertise on designated pathogens or diseases;
- “OIE Collaborating Centre” the principal mandate of which is to function as a world centre of research, expertise, standardisation of techniques and dissemination of knowledge on a specialty ;
Two or several Reference Centres may be designated as an OIE Network of Reference Centres, following the Guidance for the Management of OIE Reference Centre Networks.
The network of Collaborating Centres and Reference Laboratories constitutes the core of OIE scientific expertise and excellence. The ongoing contribution of these institutes to the work of the OIE ensures that the standards, guidelines and recommendations developed by the Specialist Commissions and published by the OIE are scientifically sound and up-to-date.
In 2019, the OIE has a global network of 254 Reference Laboratories covering 106 diseases or topics in 37 countries, and 58 Collaborating Centres covering 50 topics in 28 countries.
The OIE has a procedure for the validation and certification of diagnostic assays, based on regular evaluations by experts. The diagnostic tests validated as fit-for-purpose are included in the Register of the OIE.
For use by veterinary services and technical experts, the OIE collates, develops and distributes specific technical information and recommendations on a variety of topics related to animal health.
The Pathway to designation of an OIE Reference Centre 
