AI and enzootic virus infections

The Danish Veterinary Consortium is responsible for the research-based advice on infections with influenza A virus in animals focusing on the notifiable influenza A subtypes H5 and H7 in wild birds and domestic poultry.

Consultancy services include day-to-day advice to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (FVST) on all matters related to the influenza A virus and Newcastle Disease virus particularly in poultry, including issues related to the EU-regulated monitoring of wild and domestic birds, the use of vaccines, sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests as well as other relevant points.

The group responsible participates in international conferences, regional and international meetings of the national reference laboratories, and follows up on international literature published in the area. This activity ensures that the veterinary consultancy services are  based on up-to-date knowledge of current global virus threats. 

The group is centrally involved in the preparation of risk assessments at the request of the Veterinary and Food Administration. They contribute with expert knowledge to the case officers in the Veterinary and Food Administration.

Professor Lars Erik Larsen is the Chairman of the National Expert Group on  Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease. The national expert group meets at least once a year to discuss current issues related to these diseases. 

The Consortium advises the authorities (the Food Administration and the Danish Medicines Agency), the industry, practicing veterinarians and manufacturers on commonly seen viral infections and thus ensures that the Danish Veterinary Consortium can comply with its obligations as the national reference laboratory for livestock diseases. The consultancy services include assessments of the safety and efficacy of vaccines, sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests, incidence and spread of specific viruses as well as matters related to import and export of live animals.