PAHLNet has recently developed a fact sheet for a regional laboratory referral mechanism for animal disease diagnosis.  This  document shows the various shipping routes for animal health samples to referral laboratories in the region. As most animal diagnostic specimen needs to be shipped overseas for advanced diagnosis, this mapping allows workers to understand easily how and where samples should be shipped.

The new fact sheet developed by PAHLNet has a photo map, in which arrows indicate the most accessible specimen referral routes from each PICT to the sub-regional and reference laboratories.  Specimen referral routes are the ideal air-shipping routes for animal specimens coming from smaller PICTs for testing in overseas laboratories. It also defines and categorises the animal health laboratory capacity in PICTs between Level 3 (the animal health reference laboratories in Australia, New Zealand and the USA)  to Level 1 (basic animal health laboratory facilities capable of processing, storing, shipping specimens and performing rapid tests).  Level 2 are animal health (AH) laboratories located within the 22 SPC member countries with the capacity to perform immunofluorescence (IFA) microscopy, enzyme link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and some level of molecular diagnostics (PCR).  These laboratories are also referred to as the sub-regional animal health (AH) laboratories and they are continuously being strengthened in Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

The shipping mechanism fact sheet also serves as the PAHLNet directory with updated information about focal persons, contact details and locations of animal health laboratories in the Pacific.  The fact sheet is now available online at the LRD website under PAHLNet resources.

The upgrades to the sub-regional AH labs, planned under PRIPPP, will be completed by June 2011.  The intention is that, by then, there will be sufficient Level 2 AH lab functionality in the Pacific region.  PAHLNet will provide an ongoing service for the Pacific community and will be used to communicate information about AH laboratory developments. It will also function as a communication and coordination mechanism between relevant agencies and focal points.

To download the full version of the fact sheet, click here. For any comments or information related to this fact sheet, please contact Elva Borja at +679 3370733 ext 284 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or LRD Helpdesk, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .