The Role of Diagnostic Laboratories in Support of Animal Disease Surveillance Systems

摘要

Diagnostic laboratories are an essential component of animal disease surveillance systems. To understand the occurrence of d.sease in populations, surveillance systems rely on random or targeted surveys using three approaches: clinical, serological and virological sur" veillance Clinical surveHlance .s the basis for early detection of disease and is usually centered on the detection of syndromes and clinical findings requiring confirmation by diagnostic abo ratones Although most of the tests appliedusually perform to an acceptable standardI several have not been properly validated in terms of their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity Sensitivity and specificity estimates can vary according to local conditions and, ideally, should be determined by national laboratories where the tests are to be applied. The importance of sen sitivity and specificity estimates in the design and interpretation of statistically based surveys and nsk analysis is fundamental to establish appropriate disease control and prevention strategies. The World Organisation for Animal Health's (OIE) network of reference laboratories acts as centers of expert.se for the diagnosis of OIE listed diseases and have a role in promoting the va.dat.on of OIE preserved tests for mternat.onal trade. This paper discusses the importance of he ep.demiolog.cal evaluation of diagnostic tests and the role of the OIE Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres in this process.