The functions and duties of the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) for Fish Diseases are described in Council Directive 2006/88/EC.
A main purpose of the CRL is to ensure the quality of diagnostics of fish diseases in Member States and to harmonise the procedures and methodologies applied. The work is mainly concerned with the exotic and non-exotic diseases mentioned in Council Directive 2006/88/EC.
The CRL co-ordinates those activities of the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) for Fish Diseases in EU that aim to harmonise diagnostic techniques and disseminate information of mutual interest.
Details of the work programme is decided at the Annual Meeting of the NRLs for Fish Diseases.