Network Meeting at the Public Health Agency of Sweden

The 2025 annual network meeting brought together representatives from across Europe for an outbreak simulation, scientific updates and joint discussions that contributed to the development of the 2026 workplan.

A central component of the meeting was the “Northbound Fever” tabletop exercise, which simulated a fictional cross-border outbreak affecting both human and animal hosts. The scenario encouraged shared reflection on early detection, diagnostics and communication, underscoring the importance of coordinated preparedness across the network.

Presentations also highlighted current developments within the EURL-PH-ERZV network, including hantaviruses, orthopoxviruses, mpox, CCHF and rabies, as well as updates on ongoing collaborations and diagnostic initiatives.

The programme concluded with a review of the draft Workplan 2026. Participants provided input on priority activities, capacity needs and opportunities for strengthened collaboration, helping ensure that the upcoming workplan reflects the needs and realities of laboratories across the network.

Representatives attended from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and ECDC.

The next annual network meeting will take place in Hungary in 2027, with further details to be announced through the EURL-PH-ERZV communication channels.

Colleagues from across Europe gathered for the 2025 EURL-PH-ERZV annual network meeting. Photo: Ryan Terrey.

Colleagues connecting and sharing experiences. Photo: Chammiran Daniel.

Teamwork in action during the “Northbound Fever” simulation. Photo: Chammiran Daniel.