The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens. These infections are caused by viruses transmitted by vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, midges and sandflies. Examples include West Nile virus, dengue virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus.
RIVM is joined in the EURL consortium by laboratories from France, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia. The European Commission has designated this role for a period of seven years.
The European Reference Lab supports the European Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and national reference laboratories within the European Union regarding the microbiology of vector-borne viruses. This includes providing scientific and technical advice, reference diagnostics and materials, support in outbreak situations, laboratory surveillance and building laboratory expertise in the European Union.
This appointment is an important recognition of RIVM's expertise in the field of vector-borne viral infections. Chantal Reusken, European reference lab coordinator: "Vector-borne viruses increasingly threaten public health in the EU (European Union). This designation strengthens our preparedness and response to future outbreaks involving these viruses. For RIVM, participation in this international expertise network is important for knowledge transfer, early detection and strengthening our microbiological research and diagnostics activities on vector-borne viruses."