Regional Veterinary Laboratory is "essential tool" for development of the Azores, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated that the process of transferring services to the new Regional Veterinary Laboratory building on Terceira Island has been concluded. According to him, this is an "essential tool" for the development of the Azores, either in the agricultural sector or in the agri-food sector, among others."
"At the end of the first half of last year, there was a definitive transfer of all laboratory services installed in temporary spaces. This political commitment of the Regional Government has been fulfilled," stressed João Ponte, who spoke in Angra do Heroísmo at the end of a visit to the new building.
João Ponte pointed out that the Regional Veterinary Laboratory provides a series of services that are "essential" for the implementation of mandatory surveillance, health, safety and food hygiene plans. In this regard, it is important to continue investing in training, technical resources and equipment.
The Secretary for Agriculture added that the Laboratory will have the conditions to provide new services, including to places outside the Region. This is something that already happens, but on a residual basis.
The Regional Secretary revealed that this Laboratory carried out more than 1.2 million tests in 2017.
In addition to carrying out tests under several plans, including official animal health, surveillance and maintenance of animal health status, public hygiene and diagnosis of diseases, the Regional Veterinary Laboratory also conducts tests in the area of food inspection and food safety.
"Those who need the services provided here are aware of the importance of the Laboratory. It is important to highlight that we are talking about services of excellence that are very important for the agricultural sector in terms of food safety and public hygiene," said João Ponte. He added that many of the tests that have been carried out correspond to the country's commitments to comply with national and international plans to control animal health status in the Region.
João Ponte also revealed that the new facilities of the Regional Veterinary Laboratory were subject to an audit by the Portuguese Accreditation Institute (IPAC). According to him, "it did not identify any nonconformity, which demonstrates the quality of facilities and the competence of the work carried out in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements."
The Regional Veterinary Laboratory, which currently has 73 technicians, is accredited to carry out 51 tests.