OIE Ovine Theileriosis Reference Laboratory In 2013, Dr. Bernard Vallat, Director General of the OIE confirmed the designation of Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Group, LVRI as a new OIE Reference Laboratory for ovine theileriosis. Prof. Hong Yin is the head of the laboratory and the OIE designated expert. The laboratory is engaged in studies of since 1980s. during the last three decades, the pathogen isolation and identification, taxonomy, transmission by vector ticks, molecular characterization, full genome sequence, functional genomics on ovine Theileria, and etiological biology, epidemiology, diagnostic of ovine theileriosis, have been conducted. Two species of new ovine Thieleria, T. uilenbergi and T. luwenshuni have been identified, and some isolates of ovine Theileria were isolates from field. Some serological and molecular diagnostic tools were developed. Attempted vaccine development against ovine theilriosis has been carried out. Working Frame & technological platform1) Resources Four T. uilenbergi isolates, seven T. luwenshuni isolates and one isolate of Theileria ovis were identified, all these isolates were used as standard samples. 2) Diagnostic techniques More than 3 PCR assays were constructed and used for detection of ovine Theileria from blood and tick samples.3 ELISA assays were used for detection of antibody against ovine Theileria from field sera samples. Among of those ELISA assays, one is national standard concern to serological diagnosis of ovine theileriosis 3) Reagent products for ovine theileriosis prevention and control Positive sera control sera for ELISA methodsDNA from infected animals as positive control and DNA from uninfected animals as negative control for DNA based tests, such as PCR, RLB and LAMP Live parasitesThin blood smears made from Theileria infected animals In vitro culture of Theileria species 4) Functions of the reference laboratory As references laboratory designated by OIE and according to the requirements of OIE, the terms or functions is: to use, promote and disseminate ovine theileriosis diagnostic methods validated according to OIE Standards; to develop reference material on ovine theileriosis in accordance with OIE requirements, and implement and promote the application of OIE Standards; to store and distribute to national laboratories biological reference products and any other reagents used in the diagnosis and control of the ovine theileriosis; to develop, standardize and validate according to OIE Standards new procedures for diagnosis and control of ovine theileriosis; to provide diagnostic testing facilities, and, where appropriate, scientific and technical advice on ovine theileriosis control measures to OIE Member Countries; to carry out and/or coordinate scientific and technical studies in collaboration with other laboratories, centers or organizations; to collect, process, analyze, publish and disseminate epizootiological data relevant to ovine theileriosis; to provide scientific and technical training for personnel from OIE Member Countries; to organize and participate in scientific meetings on behalf of the OIE; to establish and maintain a network with other OIE Reference Laboratories designated for ovine theileriosis and organize regular inter-laboratory proficiency testing to ensure comparability of results; to organize inter-laboratory proficiency testing with laboratories other than OIE Reference Laboratories for the same pathogens and diseases to ensure equivalence of results; to place expert consultants at the disposal of the OIE. CONTACT Prof. Hong Yin Tel: +86-931-8342515 Fax: +86-931-8340977 Email: yinhong@ caas.cn
