The Pirbright Institute conducts a training course on veterinary sample

The Pirbright Institute conducts
a training course on veterinary sample
management in Uganda.
Entebbe, 6 September 2012. The Institute for Animal Health Pirbright (IAH) concluded a three day training course
with the National Animal Disease Diagnostic and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC). This training was conducted under
the auspices of the OIE Twinning of Laboratories Program (Supplementary OIE Twinning Special Project) between the
NADDEC (Uganda) and IAH (United Kingdom).
In his opening remarks, in the
presence of amongst the 113
national
veterinarians
and
veterinary
paraprofessionals,
trainers from the OIE Reference
Laboratory IAH Drs Carrie Batten
and Eeva Tuppurainen and the
OIE Sub Regional Representative
for southern Africa and EPT
IDENTIFY Project Regional Focal
Point Dr Neo Mapitse, the Assistant
Commissioner Disease Control
Dr Chris Rutebarika speaking on
behalf of the Permanent Secretary
of MAAIF regional ensured support
to the activities and thanked the
OIE for funding the Twinning
Project. The training was also extended to other collaborating partners in the livestock industry such as the National
Livestock Research Institute (NaLIRRI).
The training program was accomplished through presentations followed by practical sampling exercises on different
animal species including wildlife, visit to various laboratories at NADDEC and display stands. Day 1 focused on strategies
for efficient sample collection, submission and diagnosis in Uganda and laid the foundation with presentations on animal
health status in Uganda which highlighted the critical diseases and the challenges to disease control faced by MAAIF.
A presentation from the OIE on its activities to improve the quality of the national veterinary services including capacity
building was delivered with some supporting documents.
Dr Batten outlined the role of IAH in provision of laboratory
referral services and other roles as the OIE Reference
Laboratory. In conjunction with Dr Eeva Tuppurainen
the participants were trained on general overview,
preferred types of samples, handling, shipment, storage
and data collection of key diseases being pursued under
the improvement to diagnostic capacity building for the
twinning project. These were capripox, bluetongue, LSD
and PPR. This was augmented by presentations from
NADDEC staff on the types of tests available, laboratory
quality management systems, laboratory information
management systems, biosecurity and biocontainment. Dr
N. K Carolyn briefed the participants on the status of the
serum bank. There have been improvements to the power
back up systems and freezers but work still has to continue
to improve documentation of existing samples. The
national coordinator for the Twinning Project Dr Chrisostom
Ayebazibwe outlined the activities achieved under the
project including participation in proficiency testing and
improvements to the biosecurity of the laboratory.
The practical session addressed and demonstrated types
of samples collected from live animals including wildlife,
preservation, data collection and types of containers
approved for shipment from field services to NADDEC and
from NADDEC to IAH. The emphasis was to improve quality
and safe transport of samples so as to improve diagnostic
capacity.
The display table proved to be very popular with the
participants as it allowed more interaction not only regarding
the training but other services or activities offered such as
by the OIE. Visits to the various laboratories allowed the
field veterinarians and veterinary para professionals to
acquaint themselves with types of tests and time required
before the results may be available.
In his closing remarks Dr Wesonga Wanderema outlined
briefly the new strategy being developed for the Veterinary
Services to propel the industry forward using meat and
milk as primary commodities. NADDEC will become an
important pillar for the success of this strategy and hence
its support is ensured. Specimen sampling kits, personal
protective equipment, ice packs and cool boxes were
distributed to all the attending districts.
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1. Group Photo.
Photo © (NADDEC) 2012
2. Dr. Chris Rutebarika, ACDC MAAIF, delivering the official opening remarks.
3. Dr Carrie Batten, IAH, giving details on samples required for Bluetongue
testing and provision of referral services.
4. Blood collection using a vacutainer from a properly restrained pig.
5. Tracheal swab. Sample collection in avian species.
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6. Dr Eeva Tuppurainen, IAH. Presenting on capripox viruses.
7. Gladys Kiggundu explaining where NADDEC is on LIMS
8. Dr. Lagu Charles of Mbarara District presenting on JICA support on laboratory
activities
All pictures © Neo Mapitse (oie) 2012, except where mentioned otherwise.