Working field
The Division of Virology, on the island of Lindholm, works within the field of important exotic (i.e. non-endemic) virus diseases of domestic mammals. Denmark is free of exotic diseases thanks to a long-running effort to control, combat and eradicate such diseases. Outbreaks of exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever, have pronounced consequences for society as all trade with animals and animal products, nationally and internationally, has to stop immediately following just one single outbreak. We are also responsible for the diagnostic component of the national contingency plan for exotic virus diseases.
Control examinations, diagnostics and surveillance
The Division of Virology conducts control examinations and other statutory diagnostics of a number of important virus infections not usually found in Denmark, as well as certain diseases of rare incidence due to international and national regulations. Surveillance of some virus diseases takes place on the basis of mass analyses of blood samples. We also examine blood samples from dogs and cats to ensure that they have had rabies vaccinations for import into Denmark or export from Denmark to the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway.
National reference laboratory
Consistent with EU directives, our Division is the national reference laboratory for foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, classical and African swine fever, African horse sickness, bluetongue, and swine vesicular disease. We are also the national reference laboratory for the Nordic and Baltic countries, based on diagnostic co-operation agreements.
Research
Our research supports the diagnostics and the surveillance of the diseases. We conduct research into the causes of disease, development of disease and transmission of infection. Our core areas are foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever. Our research is, to a great extent, application-oriented and is very important for the control of these exotic diseases. Development of diagnostic analyses and other research form a necessary basis for consultancy and practical disease control. We closely monitor the current global disease situation, especially in areas seen as a potential threat to the health of livestock in Denmark. Therefore part of our research activities concerns bluetongue, a serious disease in sheep and cattle. In 2007 and 2008, it spread for the first time to the main part of Northern Europe, and in Denmark we have initiated mass vaccination to combat the disease.
Biosafety
Since these viruses are highly infectious, we have special safety devices to prevent emission from the laboratories and animal facilities to the surroundings. Wastewater is heat-inactivated, and all infectious waste is incinerated on site. All exhaust gas passes through virus-tight filters. In 2008, we started to use a brand new building for foot-and-mouth disease with state-of-the-art safety devices and strict biosafety regulations.
24-hours alert
We have a 24-hours alert system, and you can always get in contact with a veterinarian with questions concerning exotic virus diseases. Call the central number of the National Veterinary Institute DTU (+45 72 34 60 00), and you will be transferred to someone who can get in contact with the veterinarian on duty.
The Division of Virology within the National Veterinary Institute DTU is led by Head of Division Thomas Krogh Nielsen.