Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is part of a national strategy to coordinate the Nation's Federal, State, and university laboratory resources. Networking Federal laboratory capacity with the extensive infrastructure (buildings and utilities, professional expertise, - medical records, and support) of State and university laboratories will allow authorities to better respond to animal health emergencies. An essential element of the NAHLN system is a secure communication, alert, and reporting system. The proposed cooperative agreement being submitted will facilitate the entry of the C. E. Kord Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory into the NAHLN and expedite the development of a secure laboratory communication system critical to the success of the NAHLN. Agricultural production is a significant component of the Tennessee economy accounting for approximately 21 percent of the total state economy and 22 percent of the state's export base. Livestock production, notably cattle and calves, accounts for the largest share of total farm income. Tennessee ranks 9th among all states in the number of beef cows/heifers having calved, and 2nd among states East of the Mississippi River. Tennessee ranks 4th in the number of beef cow operations (1st east of the Mississippi River). Poultry production is likewise significant as two of the top three breeding companies have expanded into Tennessee. Value of these breeding birds is high reflecting their genetic potential. In fact, a 2003 census indicates Tennessee ranked 1st in value per bird. Additionally, Tennessee is now 2nd in the nation in both equine (horses/mules) and goat inventory. Finally, Tennessee is a geographically and commercially vulnerable state for occurrence of an animal health emergency. Tennessee is a transportation corridor with 6 interstate highways and is bordered by eight states, five of which are coastal states with major ports. And, the Memphis International Airport is the number one air cargo center in the world. Over 600,000 sows are slaughtered annually in Tennessee representing culled sows from 30 states and Canada. Recent statistics indicate that one facility accounts for approximately one-half of the surveillance for pseudorabies conducted in the United States. Neighboring states also rank high in most phases of animal production. Tennessees ability to detect and react to an animal health emergency of an infectious nature would have substantial impact on surrounding states. Early detection and ongoing surveillance provided by the Kord Laboratory is vital to protecting Tennessees, and our nations, animal agriculture. It is our goal to enhance all aspects of the laboratory's diagnostic and surveillance efforts, and the NAHLN support will substantially advance that goal.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
100%
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is part of a national strategy to coordinate the Nation's Federal, State, and university laboratory resources. Networking Federal laboratory capacity with the extensive infrastructure (buildings and utilities, professional expertise, - medical records, and support) of State and university laboratories will allow authorities to better respond to animal health emergencies. An essential element of the NAHLN system is a secure communication, alert, and reporting system. The proposed cooperative agreement being submitted will facilitate the entry of the C. E. Kord Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory into the NAHLN and expedite the development of a secure laboratory communication system critical to the success of the NAHLN. Agricultural production is a significant component of the Tennessee economy accounting for approximately 21 percent of the total state economy and 22 percent of the states export base. Livestock production, notably cattle and calves, accounts for the largest share of total farm income. Tennessee ranks 9th among all states in the number of beef cows/heifers having calved, and 2nd among states East of the Mississippi River. Tennessee ranks 4th in the number of beef cow operations (1st east of the Mississippi River). Poultry production is likewise significant as two of the top three breeding companies have expanded into Tennessee. Value of these breeding birds is high reflecting their genetic potential. In fact, a 2003 census indicates Tennessee ranked 1st in value per bird. Additionally, Tennessee is now 2nd in the nation in both equine (horses/mules) and goat inventory. Finally, Tennessee is a geographically and commercially vulnerable state for occurrence of an animal health emergency. Tennessee is a transportation corridor with 6 interstate highways and is bordered by eight states, five of which are coastal states with major ports. And, the Memphis International Airport is the number one air cargo center in the world. Over 600,000 sows are slaughtered annually in Tennessee representing culled sows from 30 states and Canada. Recent statistics indicate that one facility accounts for approximately one-half of the surveillance for pseudorabies conducted in the United States. Neighboring states also rank high in most phases of animal production. Tennessees ability to detect and react to an animal health emergency of an infectious nature would have substantial impact on surrounding states. Early detection and ongoing surveillance provided by the Kord Laboratory is vital to protecting Tennessees, and our nations, animal agriculture. It is our goal to enhance all aspects of the laboratorys diagnostic and surveillance efforts, and the NAHLN support will substantially advance that goal.
Project Methods
Funds allocated to this cooperative agreement will support personnel to enable expanding the staff approved to conduct testing for END, AI, CSF, FMD and provide sufficient supplies and limited sampling to improve efficiency and expertise in testing protocols. Travel will be supported to expand diagnosticians and staff knowledge regarding foreign animal diseases and laboratory emergency management. Equipment maintenance will assist in ensuring operability during a high consequence event. While there is critical need for further financial support to address inadequate BSL 3 space, staffing, and equipment needs at the laboratory, these funds will support expanding capability and capacity aimed at increased surveillance and early diagnosis of disease with added surge capacity to protect Tennessee and our nation's animal agriculture.