Rapid responses to national and global emergencies with data sharing will be key areas of exploitation, leading to a European laboratory task force capability for AI in animal species. Rapid and formal interactive communications will be addressed through the application of web-based forums. The envisaged network will also encompass participation of laboratories involved in influenza research in domestic mammals and foster formal links and coordination with corresponding human, swine and equine influenza networks. FLU-LAB-NET provides a vision of enhanced interactions, identifying and developing the complementarities of global, multi-disciplinary influenza research programmes.

Strategically important Third country and INCO partners are also included in this network, in order to raise laboratory standards and benefit from knowledge sharing. This will promote promote greater trust, understanding and early access to information that may be of importance to both veterinary and public health in the EU.