EcL background

The Escherichia coli Laboratory (EcL) of the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire of the Université de Montréal was created in 1981 by Dr. John Fairbrother, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Pathology. The EcL has acquired an international reputation in the study of E. coli animal infections. The EcL, as part of the Diagnostic Service of the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire has been on the cutting edge in the development of pertinent diagnostic techniques as a service to veterinary practitioners and other diagnostic laboratories. The EcL is now designated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli. Its activities include all pathogenic E. coli found in animals, now known as Animal Pathogenic and Zoonotic E. coli (APZEC).

About the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE)

• Collect information on animal diseases and zoonoses
• Provide a better guarantee of the safety of food of animal origin
• Promote animal welfare
• Disseminate this information to all member countries to provide a better protection from epidemics
• Currently consists of 172 member countries

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