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<OL> <LI> To establish a real-time linked surveillance database system to detect disease clusters and investigate outbreaks of Salmonella, VTEC and Listeria monocytogenes.
<LI> To train the database curators
<LI> To train partners
<LI> To establish a rapid communication system (PNE forum)
<LI>To establish a certification and proficiency testing program and undertake certification of participants
PulseNet Europe is a network of public health, veterinary and food laboratories for molecular surveillance of food-borne infections in Europe.
In order to improve active exchange of information and communication between partners a rapid communication system, called PNE forum 'www.pulsenet-europe.org/pneforum/' has been developed and implemented. Furthermore, a PulseNet Europe homepage http://www.pulsenet-europe.org/ has been established. <P>
A group of 6 curators from different institutes was trained in 2005 and additional funding from Med-Vet-Net also enabled a training course for 15 PulseNet Europe participants in 2006. <P>
A European Quality Assurance System (EQAS) has been created and certification started in order to insure the comparability of the data that are uploaded from different laboratories. <P>
A trial run of the PulseNet Europe central database has been performed. Customised BioNumerics software has been developed with full compatibility with other PulseNet networks and a manual of the customised PulseNet BioNumerics software has been written for partners. Passwords and access to the central database will be given to partners soon. <P>
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) which defines the rules for collaboration, allowing exchange of information and molecular typing data between PulseNet Europe partners, is ready for signature. The completed project will in future be supported by the European Centre for Disease Control.
<P>