The Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) contributes to the health protection of animals and humans in the Netherlands by undertaking research on and recommending about animal diseases. It is the national reference laboratory for the Dutch government and for several infectious diseases for the OIE and the EU. CVI is also an independent, recognized and international operating contract research organization for business life. The institute has a prominent position in international research networks and has unique experimental animal facilities, including high-containment laboratories and animal facilities. CVI develops vaccines and diagnostics, executes clinical studies and gives advice on disease control strategies. CVI develops and maintains an excellent IP portfolio and transfers technology to private partners. Area of focus are the contagious animal diseases (like classical swine fever, foot and mouth diseases), zoonoses (like tuberculosis, avian influenza and Q-fever), emerging zoonoses (like Rift Valley Fever, West Nile Fever and Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever), epidemiology of these infectious diseases and the origin and control of antimicrobial resistance (like MRSA and ESBL).