OFFLU the joint OIE-FAO network of expertise on animal influenza FAO/OIE HPAI Laboratory Network Meeting for SE Asia Keith Hamilton OIE Scientific and Technical Department, OIE Paris
OFFLU Objectives Share and analyse material and data Offer technical advice, training, and expertise Collaborate with the WHO influenza network Highlight, promote, and ensure coordination of research needs
Steering Committee Executive Committee Secretariat (OIE) OFFLU scientists OFFLU contributors / technical activities
OFFLU technical activities Each is a small group of leading experts from the network Address a task specific to animal influenza chosen by the experts Deliver results - answers, guidance, diagnostic reagents Flexible Strengthen links within the animal health network and with the human health network Lead to exchanges of information and material
Current ongoing OFFLU technical activities Biosafety and biosecurity* Applied epidemiology* (permanent) Animal human interface* (permanent) Diagnostic kits H5 standard sera RNA standard* Vaccination Proficiency testing (PT)* * activities which involve WHO
Proposed OFFLU technical activities Coordination of influenza training Biosafety guidelines for samples suspected of containing pandemic H1N1 2009 in vet labs Surveillance/monitoring guidelines for pandemic H1N1 2009 (influenzas) in animals Algorithm when to refer AI diagnostic samples to national and int. Reference Labs
Proposed OFFLU technical activities Synthesis of PT data from different regions to provide a global picture Generic Laboratory Management PLan OFFLU Research Agenda
OIE Resolution XXVI adopted by all OIE Members at 76 th OIE General Session (2008) OIE Members reporting outbreaks should share information with the wider scientific community OIE Reference Laboratories should deposit sequence data into public available databases within 3 months of receiving an isolate Actions by members must be recognised in subsequent publications and other benefits
Public available sequence databases OFFLU advocates the use of publicly available sequence databases OFFLU offers details about these on its website Scientists should choose the one that best suits their needs
Collaboration with WHO Strong functional links Day to day communication Sharing of important surveillance data and technical information Involvement in technical activities Joint OFFLU-WHO technical meetings Participation at each other s meetings
Expanded mandate of OFFLU In response to pandemic H1N1 2009 To cover all animal influenza viruses To address technical issues relating to all animal influenzas, and pandemic H1N1 2009 To collaborate with WHO GIP and share information to protect both animal and public health
Pandemic H1N1 2009 technical discussions and actions Human animal interface aspects of the current pandemic H1N1 2009 situation* Laboratory diagnosis of pandemic H1N1 2009 in pigs* Proposed origin of pandemic H1N1 2009* Naming the pandemic virus * * Joint OFFLU-WHO
Pandemic H1N1 2009 technical discussions and actions Algorithm for laboratory detection of pandemic virus in pigs Discussion over detection of pandemic H1N1 2009 in turkeys Surveillance issues around pandemic H1N1 and the human animal interface - brainstorming* Development of guidance for surveillance in animals* Ongoing sharing of information* * Joint OFFLU-WHO
Collaboration with NVSL and NAHLN lab testing algorithm for pandemic H1N1 2009
OFFLU Key achievements Strong links with WHO OIE Resolution Sharing of avian influenza viral material and information in support of global avian influenza prevention and control 8 ongoing technical activities Practical advice to countries on vaccine strain selection using antigenic cartography Rapid mobilisation of experts in response to pandemic H1N1 2009
Recent meetings 14 th September Steering Committee Strategic- management meeting 15 th -16 th Meeting of heads of Reference Institutes and Swine Influenza Experts Share information on surveillance and research activities Review progress on technical activities Develop technical work plan
Future Raise the profile of OFFLU world wide Improve regional representation within OFFLU Continue to deliver outputs through technical activities Animal influenza networks should be sustainable and continue to generate surveillance data Robust, efficient and sustainable mechanisms for sharing surveillance data Mid long term strategy for OFFLU
Improving regional representation Regional observers at OFFLU Steering Committee meetings Involvement in OFFLU technical activities OFFLU contact points in Reference Laboratories and Centres, and Collaborating Centres in regional networks
Communication www.offlu.net
OIE twinning projects - avian influenza and Newcastle disease OIE Reference Labs and Collaborating Centres Candidate Labs
Acknowedgements The scientific contributors WHO Donors CIDA, Dfid and Defra, French foreign ministry, USDA, AusAid, USAID