National Reseach Center for Protozoan Diseases
The National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases (NRCPD) was established in 2000,
and holds the distinction of being the only research-based facility of its kind among
veterinary and agricultural universities in Japan. It has been mandated to encourage,
promote, and establish research collaboration with experts in universities and
ministries, primarily in the control of zoonotic protozoan diseases, and in research
activities that would ensure the generation and supply of protein and genetic resource
materials essential in the improvement of animal productivity. The NRCPD carries
national stature, and as such, its mission, research agenda, and services are extended
worldwide, in particular, to under-developed and less-developed countries in Asia,
South America, and Africa.
During fiscal year 2002～2006, the NRCPD was selected in the forefront of the
implementation of the "21st Century Center of Excellence (COE) Program", by the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan. The COE
program provides continued support to the University's excellent programs benefiting
professionals and experts from Asia, Africa, and South America in the areas of animal
food safety and control of zoonotic diseases. More importantly, it's goal is to ensure
the sustainability and safety of food production by expanding the number and
distribution of experts, particularly in developing countries.
The NRCPD was designated as an OIE Reference Laboratory for surra, equine
piroplasmosis, and bovine babesiosis in 2007. in2008, the NRCPD was further promoted as the world first OIE collaborating center for animal protozoan diseases.