Diseases at the Human-Animal Interface

OIE Collaborating Centre Reports

Activities in 2013

Title of Collaborating Centre: / Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface
Address of Collaborating Centre: / Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie
Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (Italy)
Tel.: / +39 049 8084371
Fax: / +39 049 8084360
e-mail address: /
website: / http://www.izsvenezie.it/
Name of Director of Institute (Responsible Official): / Prof. Igino Andrighetto
Director General
Name (including Title and Position) of Head of the Collaborating Centre (formally OIE Contact Point): / Dr. Ilaria Capua
Director
Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Name (including Title and Position) of writer of this report
(if different from above) / Dr. Paola De Benedictis
Laboratory for zoonoses, emerging and reemerging pathogens


Summary of activities specifically related to the mandate of
OIE Collaborating Centres

ToR: To provide services to the OIE, in particular within the region, in the designated specialty, in support of the implementation of OIE policies and, where required, seek for collaboration with OIE Reference Laboratories

ToR: To identify and maintain existing expertise, in particular within its region

1. Activities as a centre of research, expertise, standardisation and dissemination of techniques within the remit of the mandate given by the OIE

Disease control

Epidemiology, surveillance, risk assessment, modelling

Training, capacity building

Zoonoses

Wildlife

Avian diseases

Aquatic animal diseases

Animal welfare

Diagnosis, biotechnology and laboratory

Veterinary medicinal products

Vaccines

Food safety

Feed safety

Other (Name the category: )

DIAGNOSIS, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LABORATORY
Title of activity / Scope
Diagnostic activity for Flaviviruses / Within the framework of the surveillance activity for Flaviviruses implemented in 2013 in the Veneto region, Italy,a total of 1280 equine sera were analysed for the presence of anti-West Nile Virus (WNV) IgM (through a WN IgM capture ELISA), as well as 474 avian origin samples which were screened for the detection of WNV RNA through RT-PCR.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES ON INFLUENZA A VIRUSES
Title of activity / Scope
Further studies on the role of Influenza A viruses as causative agents of pancreatitis and type 1 diabetes / We previously demonstrated the role of influenza infection as driver of metabolic disorders linked to pancreatic infection through in vitro and in vivo assays, the latter using an avian model. In 2013, further experiments were performed using a mammalian model as mouse (Mus musculus). DBA/2 and C57/BL6J mice have been infected using two strains prototypes (H1N1/NewCaledonia/20/99 and H3N2/Winsconsin/67/2005).
Evaluation of Influenza A virus growth and oncolytic properties in human pancreatic tumour cells / In 2013 the CC has continued and expanded the studies on the oncolytic properties of Influenza A viruses in human pancreatic tumor cells.
Receptorial profile of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells used in the study was analysed. More specifically a the sialic acid receptors alpha-2,3 and alpha-2,6 were mapped on the cellular surfaces of both PDA cells (BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, PANC-1, AsPC-1, MIA-paca2) and non tumoral pancreatic cells (HPDE6), thorugh flow cytometry (FACS).
Serological investigation of avian influenza A infection of the H9N2 subtype in humans / Since the ‘90s, Avian Influenza H9N2 subtype has became endemic in poultry both in Asia and in the Middle East. Viruses belonging to this subtype have caused increasing awareness as them being potential causes of inter-species jumps and pandemic infections, as they had been sporadically isolated from mammals and humans.
In 2013, the Collaborating Centre initiated a collaboration with the University of Shiraz (Iran) to assess the presence of anti-H9N2 antibody in sera of poultry workers.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES ON RABIES
Title of activity / Scope
Phylogeography of rabies virus circulating in cattle in the region of Mato Grosso, Brazil / We have investigated the genetic diversity of RABV circulating in domestic animals in the Mato Grosso area of Brazil. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that those RABVs belonged to group Ib of the Brazilian bat rabies viruses, according to Kobayashi et al (2007), and this strongly indicated the occurrence of spill-over episodes from the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) to livestock. In 2013 the spatial dynamics of RABVs circulating in bovines in the Mato Grosso area of Brazil were further investigated.
Molecular analysis of rabies virus circulating in Uganda / A molecular study was carried out on brain samples collected in Uganda from districts where the incidence of the disease seemed to be particularly high (Ntoroko and Moyo districts). Brain tissues collected between 2010 and 2012 from domestic dogs, jackals, goats, cattle and a fox were analysed.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES ON OTHER VIRAL PATHOGENS EMERGING FROM THE ANIMAL RESERVOIR
Title of activity / Scope
Circulation of alpha and lineage C BetaCoV infections in Italian bats / Poor data exist on CoV surveys in Italian bats. In 2013, the CC detected the circulation of alphaCoV and lineage C BetaCoV, genetically similar to those identified in Spanish related bat species, in Italian Myotis blithii and in Eptesicus serotinus. This finding was achieved within the framework of a larger investigation conducted on Vespertilionidae bats between 2009-2012.
Survey for the presence of HEV in pigs farms in Northern Italy / Zoonotic strains of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Europe have been reported to belong to genotype 3 and 4. In 2012 and 2013, the CC searched for the presence of HEV in 57 pig farms in Northern Italy, which had previously resulted seropositive. Positive samples have been subsequently genotyped.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES ON FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS
Title of activity / Scope
The effectiveness of domestic cooking on inactivation of murine norovirus in experimentally infected manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) / In 2013, the CC evaluated the efficacy of domestic cooking in inactivating manila clams experimentally infected with murine norovirus (MNV). A cooking pan was modified to enable electronic temperature probes to be positioned to record both flesh and environment temperature. Manila clams were infected with 104 TCID50/ml-1 of MNV. The infected whole-in-shell clams, divided into three replicates, were cooked on an electric stove and groups of 9 clams were removed from the pan at fixed intervals.
Studies on the interaction between silver nanoparticles and Salmonella enterica through the application of Trasmission Electron Microscopy / In the last few decades, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been increasingly employed thanks to their antimicrobial activity. In 2013, the Collaborating Centre (in collaboration with the OIE Reference Laboratory for Salmonellosis based at IZSVe) evaluated the morphological characteristics of AgNPs assemblies with two Salmonella enterica strains (Enteritidis and Senftenberg), by means of Trasmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

ToR: To propose or develop methods and procedures that facilitate harmonisation of international standards and guidelines applicable to the designated specialty

2. Proposal or development of any procedure that will facilitate harmonisation of international regulations applicable to the surveillance and control of animal diseases, food safety or animal welfare

Proposal title / Scope/Content / Applicable area /
FLURISK project / To develop and validate an influenza risk assessment framework, for the ranking of animal influenza A strains in their potential to cross the species barrier and cause human infection.
The project has been entirely funded by EFSA. The project consortium consists of recognized human and veterinary medicine European research institutes, reference laboratories and universities. Experts from ECDC, OIE, WHO and OFFLU are also being invited to take part in relevant meetings and activities of the project as external observers and advisors. / Surveillance and control of animal diseases
Food safety
Animal welfare

ToR: To establish and maintain a network with other OIE Collaborating Centres designated for the same specialty, and should the need arise, with Collaborating Centres in other disciplines

ToR: To carry out and/or coordinate scientific and technical studies in collaboration with other centres, laboratories or organisations

3. Did your Collaborating Centre maintain a network with other OIE Collaborating Centres (CC), Reference Laboratories (RL), or organisations designated for the same specialty, to coordinate scientific and technical studies?

Yes No

Name of OIE CC/RL/other organisation(s) / Location / Region of networking Centre / Purpose /
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention Collaborating Centre for Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases / Atlanta-GA (USA) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Collaboration in diagnostic and vaccine developments for influenza viruses; training activities, sharing of viruses, reagents, facilities and expertise.
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Collaborating Centre for zoonoses in Europe / Insel Riems (Germany) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Pathogenesis and transmission of influenza in pigs (FLUPIG project, FP7-2010).
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Collaborating Centre for zoonoses in Europe / Insel Riems (Germany) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / European surveillance network for influenza in pigs (ESNIP 3, FP7-2010).
Harbin Veterinary Research Institute
Collaborating Centre for Zoonoses of Asia-Pacific / Harbin (China) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / European surveillance network for influenza in pigs (ESNIP 3, FP7-2010).

4. Did your Collaborating Centre maintain a network with other OIE Collaborating Centres, Reference laboratories, or organisations in other disciplines, to coordinate scientific and technical studies?

Yes No

Name of OIE CC/RL/other organisation(s) / Location / Region of networking Centre / Purpose /
Pasteur Institute
WHO collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies / Paris (France) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / To provide Preparedness, Prediction and Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Viruses with Pandemic Potential using Multidisciplinary Approaches (PREDEMICS project - FP7/2007-2013).
ANSES
OIE Reference Laboratory for rabies / Nancy (France) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / To provide Preparedness, Prediction and Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Viruses with Pandemic Potential using Multidisciplinary Approaches (PREDEMICS project - FP7/2007-2013).
ANSES
OIE Reference Laboratory for rabies / Nancy (France) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Participation to the EU proficiency test for the diagnosis of rabies
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
OIE Reference Laboratory for swine influenza / Surrey (UK) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / European surveillance network for influenza in pigs (ESNIP 3, FP7-2010).
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
OIE Reference Laboratory for avian influenza and Newcastle disease / Surrey (UK) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Participation to the EU proficiency test for the diagnosis of avian influenza and Newcastle disease
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut OIE OIE Reference Laboratory for avian influenza and Newcastle disease / Insel Riems (Germany) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Participation to the OFFLU proficiency test for the diagnosis of avian influenza
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lombardia-Emilia Romagna
OIE Reference Laboratory for swine influenza / Brescia (Italy) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / European surveillance network for influenza in pigs (ESNIP 3, FP7-2010).
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lombardia-Emilia Romagna
OIE Reference Laboratory for swine influenza / Brescia (Italy) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Pathogenesis and transmission of influenza in pigs (FLUPIG project, FP7-2010).
FAO/IAEA Animal Production and Health Laboratory
OIE Collaborating Centre for ELISA and Molecular Techniques in Animal Disease Diagnosis / Wien (Austria) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Harmonization of PCR and sequencing protocols for animal diseases and zoonoses
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale"
OIE Reference Laboratory for West Nile Fever / Teramo (Italy) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Participation to the national proficiency test for the diagnosis of West Nile Fever
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie
OIE Reference Laboratory for Salmonellosis / Legnaro (Italy) / Africa
Americas
Asia and Pacific
Europe
Middle East / Collaborative research studies on the interaction between silver nanoparticles and Salmonella enterica

ToR: To place expert consultants at the disposal of the OIE.

5. Did your Collaborating Centre place expert consultants at the disposal of the OIE?

Yes No

Name of expert / Kind of consultancy / Subject /
Dr. Giovanni Cattoli / Member of the OFFLU Executive Committee / OFFLU network, Paris (France)
Dr. Giovanni Cattoli / OFFLU representative / WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Vaccines for the Southern Hemisphere, Geneva (CH) - 23rd -24th September 2013
Dr. Giovanni Cattoli / OFFLU expert / OFFLU meeting - Vaccination as a control tool against highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, Beijing (PR China)

ToR: To provide, within the designated specialty, scientific and technical training to personnel from OIE Member Countries

6. Did your Collaborating Centre provide scientific and technical training, within the remit of the mandate given by the OIE, to personnel from OIE Member Countries?

Yes No

If the answer is yes, please provide the total number of trained persons for each of the following categories:

a)  Technical visits: 5

b)  Seminars: 0

c)  Hands-on training courses: 3

d)  Internships (>1 month): 8

Type of technical training provided (a, b, c or d) / Content / Country of origin of the expert(s) provided with training / No. participants from the corresponding country /
a / Research on bat lyssaviruses / Italy / 1
a / Epidemiology of rabies and CDV in Italy, funded by the European Commission through the 7FP (PREDEMICS project) / France / 1
a / Workshop MISMS Research Workshop at the animal-human interface: Influenza viruses at the human animal interface / South Africa / 1
a / Workshop MISMS Research Workshop at the animal-human interface: Influenza viruses at the human animal interface / Cuba / 1
a / Workshop MISMS Research Workshop at the animal-human interface: Influenza viruses at the human animal interface / Nigeria / 1
c / FAO Training on rabies diagnosis / Republic of Congo / 8
c / Training on diagnostic techniques on rabies with particular reference to the follow-up techniques used in the context of Oral Fox Vaccination / Italy / 1
c / Training on serological techniques for rabies post-vaccination assessment. Fellowship has been funded by WHO / Tunisia / 1
d / Study on the correlation between type A influenza and the onset of type 1 diabetes in murine models / Italy / 1
d / Diagnostic strategies and rapid testing procedures for typing on AI and NDV / Israel / 1
d / Training on molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of Hepatitis E virus / Italy / 1
d / Molecular evolution of the virulence in avian influenza viruses / Italy / 1
d / Epidemiology and economic impact of Newcastle disease and its control in rural poultry in Northwest Ethiopia / Ethiopia / 1
d / Antigenic study of HPAI viruses in Egypt / Egypt / 1
d / Genetic characterization of avian viruses; viral serology and molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses / Turkey / 1
d / Characterization of avian gyrovirus in Italy / Brazil / 1

ToR: To organise and participate in scientific meetings and other activities on behalf of the OIE