Examples of One Health co-operation in COVID-19 diagnostics: WBVR significantly increases the testing capacity in the Netherlands
Our world faces the COVID-19 global pandemic, and many One Health EJP consortium partners have key roles in managing the situation at national level across Europe.
For example, FAO has recognised that enormous processivity is needed for the diagnostic capacity required. Veterinary laboratories have an extraordinary experience in the diagnosis of infectious diseases also in emergency situations and can therefore be tremendously supportive in this. In this series of ‘Examples of One Health co-operation in COVID-19 diagnostics’, we highlight how One Health co-operation has been established across Europe.
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, (WBVR) the Netherlands:
From 30th March 2020, the WBVR laboratory can carry out up to 1500 tests daily to determine whether an individual has been infected by SARS-CoV-2. The lab can test samples from patients, and a new device will be used which can drastically increase the number of tests performed. During normal working hours 500 tests can be done per day, but by working 24 hours a day this can be increased to 1500.
Minister Hugo de Jonge has informed the Dutch Parliament that approximately 2000 tests are performed daily in the Netherlands. Therefore, WBVR’s contribution will represent a significant expansion of the test capacity.
For more information on WBVR’s role in the COVID-19 response, click here.
