1. 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.

2. OIE/FAO Network for Avian Influenza (2005)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Scientific committee Steering Committee Scientific Collaborators Secr

9. Activities 2005 Set up of the network Agreement on terms of Reference
Missions
Russia, Romania
Exchange of isolates
Exchange of sequences
Website:

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

11. 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

12. World Organisation for Animal Health
created in 1924 in Paris