Periodic Report Summary - FLUTRAIN (Training and technology transfer of avian influenza diagnostic and disease management skills) The ultimate aim of the FLUTRAIN project was to highlight the need for comprehensive training and the transfer of technology to accession and International Scientific Cooperation Countries (INCO) in order to aid these countries in combating the Avian influenza (AI) with the most up-to-date diagnostic and disease management procedures. Firstly, FLUTRAIN would approach the need for training by providing two workshops in which experts in the diagnosis and management of AI would impart their valuable knowledge to participants from accession and INCO countries. Training opportunities were also provided in partner laboratories in order to consolidate the information and practical experience gained during the workshops. In addition, a CD-ROM was prepared containing essential information provided during the workshops. A website was developed which would enable participants and the general public to access the training programmes and would include online discussion forums between trainees and trainers. Secondly, FLUTRAIN included the provision of new, simplified and cost-effective diagnostic methods and reagents. The consortium consisted of 11 members which included two Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Eight associated partners were also identified. Finally the project sought to identify and supply funds in a bilateral manner, for one-off specific support missions that targeted specific AI problems in recipient countries. The work performed and the most significant results achieved in the first 12 months are summarised below: - Workshop on AI: outbreak management, European Union (EU) legislation and intervention strategies A three-day workshop was held in Legnaro at 20-22 November 2007 with the objective of delivering updated information on AI outbreak management within EU and offered the opportunity to enhance knowledge regarding AI legislation, ecology, epidemiology and diagnosis. The workshop included a theoretical part and a practical session aiming to develop skills related to outbreak management and professional networking amongst participants. - Assessment missions for selection for workshop candidates during the first year of the execution of the project it was decided to focus primarily on European Union (EU)-boarding countries. Therefore, in order to select suitable candidates, laboratory assessment missions were organised in eight beneficiary countries. The assessment teams consisted of a senior and a junior veterinarian / scientist from partner laboratories. A comprehensive report was prepared following each mission. - Workshop on AI diagnostics: based on the results of the assessment missions, a two-week workshop on AI diagnostics was jointly held at the Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie and the Veterinary Medicine Faculty from 28 January till 8 February 2008. - Internships in partner laboratories: in order to consolidate the techniques and skills obtained during the workshop on AI diagnostics, two-week internships were organised for candidates. - Transfer of technology developed in other EU funded projects to INCO and accession countries: real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols for the H5 and H7 AI subtypes that were developed and validated during the AVIFLU project were transferred to participants during the first AI diagnostic workshop in Legnaro. Related documents Periodic Report - FLUTRAIN (Training and technology transfer of avian influenza diagnostic and disease management skills)
