From 1 to 3 July 2026 , the Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo hosted the international workshop “Operationalising the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Lumpy Skin Disease – Regional Cooperation, Preparedness and Laboratory Networking”, organized with the support of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia.

The workshop was the first international expert meeting organized following the designation of the Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo as the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

In addition to representatives of the Veterinary Directorate of the Republic of Serbia and WOAH, the workshop brought together representatives of Veterinary Services, National Reference Laboratories and scientific institutions from Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Türkiye.

A significant contribution to the workshop was made by experts from SCIENSANO (Belgium), which serves as both the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) and the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Lumpy Skin Disease, as well as representatives of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZS Teramo, Italy), a long-standing partner of the Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo.

The main objective of the workshop was to officially mark the operationalisation of the newly designated WOAH Reference Laboratory in Kraljevo, define its future contribution in accordance with the Terms of Reference for WOAH Reference Laboratories, and further strengthen cooperation between Veterinary Services, National Reference Laboratories and international partners.

During the workshop, participants discussed the latest scientific developments and international standards in the diagnosis and control of Lumpy Skin Disease, including advanced molecular diagnostic methods, whole genome sequencing, molecular epidemiology, recombinant LSDV strains, DIVA vaccines and DIVA diagnostics, as well as the recommendations contained in the WOAH Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals.

One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the definition of future activities of the newly designated WOAH Reference Laboratory, the identification of national and regional needs for reference laboratory support, and the agreement on the first practical steps towards strengthening inter-laboratory cooperation, organising international proficiency testing schemes, and developing an international hands-on laboratory training course on capripoxvirus diagnostics, planned to be held in Kraljevo in in April 2027.

By hosting this international event, the Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo has once again confirmed its growing international reputation and its important role in advancing the diagnosis, surveillance and control of transboundary animal diseases. As the WOAH Reference Laboratory for Lumpy Skin Disease, the Institute will continue to work closely with WOAH, SCIENSANO, IZS Teramo, National Reference Laboratories and other international partners to further develop modern diagnostic methods, harmonise international standards and strengthen laboratory capacities in Serbia, the region and beyond.