Serbia to get its first WOAH reference laboratory

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) unanimously adopted Resolution 33 at its 93rd General Assembly in Paris, designating the Veterinary Specialist Institute Kraljevo as the WOAH reference laboratory for lumpy skin disease of cattle, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management announced.

With this designation, Serbia gets its first WOAH reference laboratory, which represents significant international recognition for the Veterinary Administration, the National Veterinary Service and scientific institutions of our country.

This, as indicated in the ministry’s statement, also confirms that Serbia possesses knowledge, expertise and capacities and enjoys a reputation in the international veterinary community.

– The recognition comes a decade after the successful suppression and eradication of lumpy skin disease in our country. Back then, we showed that the state can effectively respond to serious challenges, and today, at a time when this disease is reappearing in some European countries, we see that our experience and expertise of domestic institutions are recognized at the highest international level – emphasized the relevant Minister Dragan Glamocic.

According to him, the ministry will continue to invest in the development and strengthening of the capacities of the veterinary service, as well as in laboratories, equipment, personnel, field services and information systems, because animal health, food safety and the stability of agricultural production are of strategic importance for Serbia.

The new status of the FIC Kraljevo, as emphasized in the statement, will contribute to strengthening Serbia’s international visibility, the development of scientific and professional cooperation, as well as support to WOAH member states in the field of diagnostics, surveillance, preparedness and control of lumpy skin disease and related, particularly dangerous, infectious animal diseases.

VSI Kraljevo

Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede Republike Srbije

Veterinary Specialist Institute Kraljevo

VSI Kraljevo

World Organization for Animal Health

WOAH

WOAH reference laboratory

Ministry of Agriculutre

Dragan Glamočić