The World Bank-financed Livestock Commercialization Project (LCP) works to refurbish veterinary laboratories in Mongolia. This month, LCP project worked in Khentii and Khovd aimags.  Two engineers contracted by LCP assessed the need to renew the water supply, electricity lines and wastewater management. In addition, the LCP laboratory specialist assessed the need for compliance with international standards regarding biosafety and biosecurity requirements.  

These veterinary laboratories are quite aged and undermaintained for a long time. Therefore, there are several areas where the laboratories need to be refurbished to create healthy working conditions. For example, water and sewage systems are severely damaged or incorrectly installed; doors and floors do not comply with safety requirements.  Based on the mission findings, the project made recommendations on necessary refurbishment for each laboratory. The second part of LCP support is to equip the laboratories with materials and conditions that secure biosecurity and biosafety for staff and the environment.  

Under the National Strategy for Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Network, these two laboratories were assigned to extend their responsibilities by acting as regional laboratories. Due to the spread of transboundary animal diseases, the country has limited access to some potentially lucrative export markets for livestock and animal products. Improvements in biosafety and biosecurity by equipping these regional laboratories will strengthen the diagnostic capacity of the laboratory network. Subsequently, this will enhance the e country’s effort in controlling animal diseases.