Performing Department
Agriculture
Non Technical Summary
The Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (KAHDL) currently offers limited molecular diagnostic testing beyond that related to our National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) capability and capacity. We have seven staff members trained and proficiency tested for avian influenza (AI) PCR testing, and two for exotic Newcastle disease (END) PCR testing, classic swine fever (CSF) PCR testing, and foot and mouth disease (FMD) PCR testing. Six staff are proficiency tested for Pseudorabies testing by non-PCR methods and staff members in other sections evaluate specimens for surveillance and OIE Reportable Diseases. Within the molecular diagnostics section, the section supervisor and technicians (Microbiologist 2 level) also have multiple other duties that support animal disease diagnostic testing associated with routine daily laboratory submissions. KAHDL is currently AAVLD accredited and including the Director has four well trained and experienced pathologists, including one pathologist with ACVP board certification. PCR testing for other diseases is very limited at this time.Under this NAHLN cooperative agreement proposal, grant funds would be used for purchase of equipment and reagents for implementation of PCR testing for several important diseases, including bovine viral diarrhea, Salmonella, equine adenovirus, equine viral arteritis, equine influenza, equine protozoal encephalomyelitis, Lawsonia, nocardioform abortion, Potomac horse fever, Rhodococcus equi, and canine influenza.Remaining funds are designated to be used for pathologist continuing education - particularly in the area of foreign and emerging diseases. Including the Laboratory Director, there are four pathologists; budgeted funding will cover registration and travel to one major meeting annually and may allow additional funds for other education materials.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (KAHDL) currently offers limited molecular diagnostic testing beyond that related to our National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) capability and capacity. We have seven staff members trained and proficiency tested for avian influenza (AI) PCR testing, and two for exotic Newcastle disease (END) PCR testing, classic swine fever (CSF) PCR testing, and foot and mouth disease (FMD) PCR testing. Six staff are proficiency tested for Pseudorabies testing by non-PCR methods and staff members in other sections evaluate specimens for surveillance and OIE Reportable Diseases. Within the molecular diagnostics section, the section supervisor and technicians (Microbiologist 2 level) also have multiple other duties that support animal disease diagnostic testing associated with routine daily laboratory submissions. KAHDL is currently AAVLD accredited and including the Director has four well trained and experienced pathologists, including one pathologist with ACVP board certification. PCR testing for other diseases is very limited at this time.Under this NAHLN cooperative agreement proposal, grant funds would be used for purchase of equipment and reagents for implementation of PCR testing for several important diseases, including bovine viral diarrhea, Salmonella, equine adenovirus, equine viral arteritis, equine influenza, equine protozoal encephalomyelitis, Lawsonia, nocardioform abortion, Potomac horse fever, Rhodococcus equi, and canine influenza.Remaining funds are designated to be used for pathologist continuing education - particularly in the area of foreign and emerging diseases. Including the Laboratory Director, there are four pathologists; budgeted funding will cover registration and travel to one major meeting annually and may allow additional funds for other education materials.
Project Methods
Appropriate PCR-related equipment and reagents will be purchased in order to permit diagnosis of numerous animal diseases. Appropriate test validation, controls, training, and use of established and controlled protocols will be performed to ensure test accuracy and traceability.