Dr. Christianne J.M. Bruschke Update on OFFLU Meeting of the OIE Regional and Sub-Regional Representations, Paris, 15 & 16 December 2005 I am going to present you the activities of the OIE in the AI crisis and will explain the objectives of the OIE therein. www.oie.int

OIE/FAO Network for Avian Influenza (2005) www.oie.int

OFFLU: main objectives To offer veterinary expertise to Member Countries to assist in the control of AI To develop research on avian influenza (AI) To collaborate with the WHO Influenza Network on issues relating to the animal-human interface www.oie.int

Structure OFFLU Steering Committee Secretariat: Scientific Committee: Dr I. Capua, OIE reference laboratory Padova Scientific Committee: experts with international reputation Team of Scientific Collaborators Scientists having first hand experience, national and regional expertise in lab work, epidemiology or field control www.oie.int

Steering Committee President, OIE, FAO, Scientist Terms of Reference Decide on priority activities of the assistance to be provided Recommendations on synergies of OIE/ FAO activities on AI Recommendations on synergies with WHO network Seek funding for the network Review activities www.oie.int

Scientific Committee 13 internationally recognized AI experts Terms of Reference Advice to developing countries Standardisation of diagnostic techniques Develop and coordinate research projects Linkages with the WHO influenza network Promote collection and characterisation of animal influenza viruses Expand Genomic Database www.oie.int

Scientific Collaborators Invited to participate from as wide a field as possible Terms of Reference Liaise with Sc.C. to advise in management, control and eradication of AI Promote the collection of strains for identification Assist in training for lab diagnosis and field surveillance Promote linkages: diagnostic labs in poor countries & industrialized countries www.oie.int

Scientific committee Steering Committee Scientific Collaborators Secr www.oie.int

Activities 2005 Set up of the network Agreement on terms of Reference Missions Russia, Romania Exchange of isolates Exchange of sequences Website: http://www.offlu.net www.oie.int

Hurdles to overcome Reluctance to share virus isolates Publication, IP Reluctance to share genome sequences Time constraints Financial constraints www.oie.int

OFFLU: main priorities 2006 Exchange of virus isolates and sequence data among reference and diagnostic labs Exchange of Scientific information Communication with member countries and international organisations Provide advice, expertise and assistance to infected countries Monitor vaccine trials We hope this initiative can serve as an example for future networks of diagnostic labs www.oie.int

World Organisation for Animal Health created in 1924 in Paris www.oie.int