Micro-organisms deriving from animals, food and the general environment can pose a risk to human health. This RIVM laboratory is concerned with the detection, monitoring and assessment of new and emerging microbial hazards. It provides an active response in the event of an outbreak or major incident involving such hazards. The laboratory traces sources and transmission routes, producing the relevant reports. It also has an active part to play with regard to deliberate microbiological threats, i.e. 'bioterrorism'.

Tasks
The Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology:

• identifies micro-biological threats from animals, food and the environment
• responds to outbreaks and major incidents
• traces sources and transmission routes, doing so by means of both laboratory testing and mathematical modelling
• produces risk assessments, identifying risk factors and effective counter-measures
• compiles integrated reports covering all aspects of health impact, costs, etc. and incorporating data relating to humans, food and animals (the 'chain approach')
• contributes expertise to national and international working groups and scientific panels, including those of the World Health Organization, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC)
• acts as a national and international reference laboratory for various micro-organisms

Collaboration
The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) has delegated responsibility for the development of an effect early warning system for microbiological hazards from animals to RIVM, and specifically to the Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology. RIVM has both the knowledge and networks required to fulfil this task, working alongside national organizations such as the Central Veterinary Institute and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. The laboratory also works alongside various international sister organizations on projects for the European Commission, the European Centre for Disease Control and the European Food Safety Authority.