In 2022, the EuFMD constitution was amended with new obligations for Member Nations, including the obligation to apply the MBRMS. To assist Member Nations with this, the EuFMD, working with the SCBRM, agreed to establish biorisk communities of practice for Tiers C and D to facilitate access to advice and information on implementation of and adherence to the MBRMS. Additionally, a need was identified for better communication and opportunities for networking between biorisk officers (BROs) of the different Tier C and D laboratories, promoting the sharing of information, biorisk-related issues, and best practices.  

For Tier C laboratories, the aim of the Community of Practice (CoP) is to improve knowledge and networking, facilitated through workshops and virtual meetings across the network. By increasing communication between Tier C facilities, an increase in the awareness of the MBRMS for this Tier and better equivalence in meeting these requirements is envisioned.  As members of FMD Tier C CoP, BROs will keep updated and the importance of being prepared for FMDV will remain in their sphere of focus. The workshops will not only provide education and information on the MBRMS requirements but also directly facilitate networking and exchanges between BROs from different Tier C laboratories.  

For Tier D laboratories, the CoP offers a system of laboratory assessments to foster understanding and implementation of the MBRMS, directly involving all facilities and facilitating networking and knowledge exchange. Overall, this will enhance the biorisk management standards of laboratories and animal facilities handling infectious FMDV in FMD-free countries in the European area. It is not the aim to replicate a comprehensive auditing system for facilities, nor is the scope of the visits any form of accreditation. Reports will be confidential, and the conclusions will be in the form of recommendations. Members of the SCBRM and representatives from other Tier D laboratories will participate in these visits and will perform an evaluation of adherence to the MBRMS, utilising a checklist (prepared by the EuFMD and the SCBRM). Constructive advice will then be provided on steps to be taken to better meet the MBRMS. This system will not only provide practical feedback on the MBRMS, any areas where the facility needs improvement and steps to meet the MBRMS, but will be designed to share the visiting team membership across the Tier D network and therefore present learning and networking opportunities for facility management and BROs.  Regular online CoP meetings will also be held.