The European Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Food- and Water-borne Viruses (EURL-PH-FWDV)
Article
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The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Food- and Water-borne Viruses (EURL-PH-FWDV) is one of nine European Union Reference Laboratories for Public Health designated by the European Commission (EC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The EURL-PH-FWDV will be operational from 1 January 2026.
About
The European Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Food- and Water-borne Viruses (EURL-PH-FWDV) supports National Reference and Expert Laboratories, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the European Commission (EC) in strengthening preparedness, surveillance, and response for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) across the EU.
HAV and HEV pose significant and persistent public health challenges in Europe, driven by cross-border transmission through food, water and direct contact, in particular when travelling to high endemic regions for these pathogens. While HAV diagnostics and surveillance are relatively well established, important gaps remain in molecular typing. HEV is still underdiagnosed in many countries, with limited access to diagnostics, molecular typing and surveillance practices.
The EU-funded EURL-PH-FWDV provides scientific and technical support with a strong focus on molecular typing, including whole genome sequencing (WGS) and quality assurance. Key activities include the development, testing, and implementation of WGS protocols for surveillance, distribution and evaluation of External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes, and support to Member States in building sustainable sequencing capacity.
Through harmonised protocols, reference diagnostics, bioinformatics support, and coordinated EQA activities, the EURL-PH-FWDV together with the ECDC promotes standardised laboratory practices and high-quality data generation across Europe. This work strengthens early outbreak detection, cross-border surveillance, and evidence-based public health response for hepatitis A and E.
Consortium
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Institution |
Members |
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Kathrine Stene-Johansen, Christine G. M.Jonassen, Sheba Maria Lothe, Jon Bråte, |
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Harry Vennema |
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Jürgen Wentzel, Mathias Schemmerer
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Funding
