Proficiency Testing for Rabies Diagnosis within Asian Network and Work of WOAH Twinning Project for Rabies between Anses-Nancy and AHRI

Yu-Chia Chang

Abstract

In order to enhance Taiwan's rabies expertise and to strengthen regional rabies surveillance and management networks, the WOAH Twinning Project for Rabies was signed and implemented collaboratively between Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife (Anses-Nancy) and Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI) in 2018. Under the framework of the Twinning project, Laboratory Proficiency Testing for Rabies Diagnosis within Asian Network was established in AHRI, organizing and providing proficiency test service to East-Asia and Southeast-Asia countries. The first rabies proficiency test in the Asian region was launched in 2022, with 11 participating laboratories from 7 countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam). In addition, the Twinning project was completed at the end of last year (2022), and 2022 Closing Meeting of WOAH Twinning Project for Rabies between Anses-Nancy and AHRI was held under a hybrid format (both physical and virtual forms) in November. The Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific of WOAH and rabies experts from Anses-Nancy were invited for sharing their rich experience in rabies management. AHRI also shared achievements of the four-year Twinning project and showed Taiwan’s expertise on rabies prevention and control. This report included work related to WOAH Twinning project for rabies, including the organization of the first Asian proficiency testing activity and Closing Meeting.