The VISAVET centre of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) has been designated by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as a new reference laboratory for mammalian tuberculosis.

The appointment recognizes the VISAVET mycobacteria unit experience in this disease and its collaboration with the Spanish government in the animal tuberculosis eradication programs. Moreover, since 2008 VISAVET is the European Union reference laboratory for bovine tuberculosis and works directly with the the national laboratories to standardize the diagnostic protocols and for the control of this disease within the Member States.

VISAVET, as reference laboratory, will provide scientific and technical knowledge and training outside the European Union in collaboration with other worldwide laboratories or organizations. The UCM thus joins the OMSA network for the surveillance of tuberculosis in mammals together with the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), the United Kingdom Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Argentine Service of Health and Agrifood Quality (SENASA).

Dr. Beatriz Romero will be the expert of this new reference laboratory, being the current head of the VISAVET mycobacteria service and deputy director of the European Union Reference Laboratory for bovine tuberculosis.

- VISAVET, designado como nuevo laboratorio de referencia de la OMSA para la tuberculosis en mamíferos - animalshealth.es