A National Reference Laboratory's interactions with veterinary diagnostic laboratories: example of Q fever, an abortive disease in ruminants and a zoonosis

Abstract : To improve the control of targeted pathogens affecting animal and plant health, National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) have been mandated by the French Ministry of Agriculture. Their role involves ensuring that first-line departmental diagnostic laboratories are proficient in analytical methods. The NRL for Q Fever (QF-NRL) has developed measures contributing to the strong performance of methods within each laboratory's environment and on the network scale (national surveillance, epidemiological investigation). Following a survey of all (mandated and non-mandated) laboratories, the QF-NRL reports on the interactions between both parties and their interests, and outlines some prospects. Overall, the tools and exchanges (reference materials, validations, adoptions, control charts, inter-laboratory tests) are valued and provide means for determining the performance level of analytical methods and for proactively committing to further improvements.