Progress 09/01/17 to 06/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The VDL participated in workshops and meetings with USDA staff, allowing the laboratory to share information on identification, testing, and emergency planning for foreign animal diseases. Information from the USDA NAHLN program meetings is shared with state government officials and industry leaders where appropriate.The VDL hosts a monthly meeting with state government officials in agriculture, public health, and wildlife, along with USDA Area Veterinary in Charge, Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, and Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine to share information on animal health issues and emergency preparedness. In addition, the VDL and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development co-host quarterly meetings to review program updates; discuss animal health events, and share information on testing and diagnostic approaches. Changes/Problems:Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the supply chain, there have been shipping delays that complicated completing equipment purchases on time. Thankfully all equipment has been purchased. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities): The laboratory stands prepared to provide diagnostic testing for suspect cases of avian influenza, Newcastle disease, other foreign animal diseases. NAHLN funding has increased VDL testing capacity to meet expanding molecular diagnostic needs in support of NAHLN project goals, including conditions faced during an adverse health event caused by the presence of an emerging disease or foreign animal disease. VDL also leveraged NAHLN funds to maintain and enhance our biocontainment capabilities, including re-verification of our BSL-3 space and biosafety cabinet inspection and certification; the purchase of glove box cabinet for BSL-3 room; and HEPA filter inspection to ensure appropriate biosafety and biocontainment. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: The VDL participates in the NAHLN-administered proficiency tests for avian influenza, swine influenza, Newcastle Disease, Classical Swine Fever, Chronic Wasting Disease, Scrapie, African Swine Fever, and Foot and Mouth Disease testing. The VDL has maintained, and where appropriate, has increased the number of staff approved for NAHLN testing. The VDL continues to offer and participate in workshops, roundtables, and other events with federal and state governments and industry representatives to prepare for emergency outbreaks or emerging diseases. Staff continue to engage in the annual AAVLD meeting and attend NAHLN related committee sessions to keep abreast of national disease trends and animal health diagnostic testing regulations. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The VDL follows HL7 messaging requirements for all approved NAHLN tests. Quality System: The Quality Assurance Unit continues to manage NAHLN controlled documents, including the receipt and distribution of all new and revised documents along with the collection and archiving of all superseded and obsolete NAHLN documents. The Quality Assurance Unit routinely performs internal audits, which include a review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The VDL continues to expand and build on the capabilities provided by QPulse (quality management system application). This tool documents standard operating procedures, enable better tracking of corrective/preventative action, enhances audit management, and provide supplier, people, training, and asset modules to accomplish project objectives. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Our scientific staff continue to participate regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The VDL has representatives at the annual AAVLD meeting to attend and participate in NAHLN related committee sessions. The VDL Quality Manager continues to serve as a trainer for the QMS training. The VDL stands ready to assist the NAHLN with other projects as the need arises.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The VDL participated in workshops and interactive sessions on African Swine Fever and Antimicrobial Resistance. These sessions enabled the VDL to interact and share information on identification, testing and emergency planning for ASF with key stakeholders and partners and to exchange information specific to Michigan and the region with human health laboratories and public health services in Michigan on the status of antimicrobial resistance in various health care settings, in the environment, and in the food chain. The VDL hosts a monthly meeting with the State Veterinarian, representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, USDA/APHIS, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources,the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resourcesto share information on emergency preparedness andbest practices and to discuss issues of importance to animal health. The VDL and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development co-host quarterly meetings to review program updates; to discuss recent adverse animal health events, and to share information on testing and diagnostic approaches. The VDL director participates in monthly One Health calls that include state and local human and animal health agencies.In addition, the VDL director is a participant in BioWatch, which is a network comprised of stakeholders from public health, emergency management, law enforcement, laboratory, scientific, and environmental health organizations around the country who collaborate to detect and prepare a coordinated response to a bioterrorism attacks. Changes/Problems:Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the KingFisher Flex ordered by the VDL has not been delivered (backorder) and we have had delays in getting vendor support for finalizing required specifications for purchase and installation of the Level II Biosafety cabinet and Level III glove box for use in our Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. It is important to note that these delays have not impacted our ability to meet the obligations of a NAHLN level 1 lab or to meet the needs of the NAHLN, but rather will result in delay of expenditures for this project year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As noted in the Accomplishments, section, the VDL maintained training for multiple staff forInfluenza A (10), Avian Paramyxovirus (5), ASF (5), CSF (7), FMD (6) and CWD (2). All of the approved staff successfully participated in the 2019-2020 NAHLN proficiency tests for these diseases. The VDL has 5 people trained in BSL-3 laboratory procedures related to NAHLN testing, and an additional 3 people trained in BSL-3 procedures that can be leveraged in an emerging disease investigation. The VDL participated in the NAHLN and the USDA African Swine Fever Emergency Preparedness workshop that built on information gained from earlier workshops. We continued to serve as a conduit to the public regarding diagnostic testing efforts on their behalf as we work with local, state, and federal agencies to address emerging animal health concerns. Meetings were held at VDL by various animal health constituency groups and we continued to meet on a quarterly basis with MDARD veterinary services to discuss emerging threats, regulatory changes and program updates. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The VDL participated in workshops on ASF and AMR. These workshops enabled the VDL to interact and share information on identification and testing for these diseases with key stakeholders and partners. The VDL hosts a monthly meeting with the State Veterinarian, representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, USDA/APHIS, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the College of Veterinary Medicine to share information on emergency preparedness and best practices and to discuss issues of importance to animal health. The VDL Director also attends the monthly Michigan Agri-Business Association breakfasts to share information with commodities groups, and participates in monthly One Health calls that include state and local human and animal health agencies. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities): The laboratory will stand prepared to provide diagnostic testing for suspect cases of avian influenza, Newcastle disease, etc. The VDL will leverage NAHLN funding to increase capacity to meet expanding molecular diagnostic needs in support of NAHLN project goals, including needs faced during an adverse health event caused by the presence of an emerging disease or foreign animal disease. We will also leverage NAHLN support to maintain and enhance our biocontainment capabilities including re-verification of our BSL-3 spaces, as well as for biosafety cabinet inspection and certification; and HEPA filter inspection to ensure appropriate biosafety and biocontainment. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: The VDL will continue to participate in the NAHLN-administered proficiency tests for avian influenza, swine influenza, ND, CSF, CWD, Scrapie, ASF and FMD testing. The VDL will maintain, and as needed, increase the number of staff approved for NAHLN testing assuming availability of required PTs and any necessary approvals from the NAHLN. The VDL will cross-train technical staff not responsible for conducting NALHN tests in performance of routine testing that would be disrupted should an emergency arise that would pull NAHLN testing technicians away from their daily activities. The VDL plans to continue offering workshops, roundtables and other events to prepare for emergency outbreaks or emerging diseases. Funds are requested to support travel to the annual AAVLD meeting to attend NAHLN related committee sessions and to keep abreast of national disease trends, as well as to travel to an appropriate meeting or workshop to increase skills and knowledge in advanced diagnostics used in support of AMR, and/or emerging disease detection and/or work-up. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The VDL will continue active HL7 messaging for all approved NAHLN tests and will continue to participate in offered messaging events. Laboratory efforts in this area will focus on maintaining robust IT support to meet NAHLN requirements and messaging expectations. Quality System: The Quality Assurance Unit will continue to manage NAHLN controlled documents, including the receipt and distribution of all new and revised documents along with the collection and archiving of all superseded and obsolete NAHLN documents. The Quality Assurance Unit will again be performing internal audits which include review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The laboratory will continue to expand and build on the capabilities provided by QPulse enabled by the increased number of secondary licenses. This tool will document management, enable better tracking of corrective/preventative action, enhance audit management, and provide supplier, people, training, and asset modules which will be used to accomplish project objectives. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Our scientific staff will continue to participate regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The laboratory Director will continue to serve as co-Chair for the Methods Technical Working Group. The VDL will have representatives at the annual AAVLD meeting to attend and participate in NAHLN related committee sessions. The Director will continue as co-Chair of the MTWG Sub-group on Emergency Validation; the VDL Bacteriology Section Chief will continue to participate on the MTWG sub-team on genomic sequencing, and the VDL will continue to participate in the AMR project. The VDL Quality manager will serve as a trainer for planned 2020-2021 QMS training. The VDL stands ready to assist the NAHLN with other projects as the need arises.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Nation's public health and food supply is at constant risk from accidental or malicious introduction of exotic animal diseases. As part of the NAHLN network, our goal is to help support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. The VDL supported the NAHLN's mission to safeguard animal health by increasing capability to test for Foreign Animal Diseases by adding test capabilities (e.g. African Swine Fever); increasing our surge capacity and technical expertise to respond to a disease outbreak by adding specified instruments to run approved tests, by increasing the number of staff that are qualified and approved to run tests for the NAHLN, and by actively participating in Foreign Animal Disease emergency preparedness exercises for African Swine Fever. Further the VDL maintained certified Ag-Biosafety Level 3 laboratory space as well as necropsy space that can support necropsy of multiple large animals to ensure adequate biosafety and biocontainment in the event of an emerging disease or foreign animal disease outbreak. As an emerging health threat, the NAHLN is actively investigating the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria isolated from food animals. The VDL actively participated in this AMR project by providing bacterial isolates from multiple species and related epidemiologic data. The VDL provided test results to the NAHLN for suspect highly pathogenic avian influenza, ASF, swine influenza, Exotic NewCastle Disease, Classical Swine Fever, Chronic Wasting Disease, Scrapie and Foot and Mouth Disease. As a Level 1 Laboratory in the NAHLN, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at Michigan State University met all key responsibilities required to maintain Level 1 designation, including maintaining a quality management system and full accreditation by the AAVLD to cover the scope of NAHLN testing; the ability to message results via HL7, and provision of BSL3 laboratory space. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities: The VDL provided testing for all 8 NAHLN approved tests including ASF. In 2019-2020, the laboratory tested approximately 285 samples for HPAI by PCR. VDL performed FMD testing for 94 FAD investigations conducted by MDARD, testing a total of 358 samples for FMD (providing same day results). The laboratory continues to actively participate in the USDA surveillance program for Scrapie (IHC testing). The VDL also provided testing for NAHLN laboratories identified by the NAHLN that were unable to provide scrapie testing due to the Biocare issue. In addition to extensive efforts partnering with MDARD and the MDNR to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from wild whitetail deer and cattle herds in northeast Michigan, we have provided critical testing for Chronic Wasting Disease in both free-ranging and farmed deer. In addition to ELISA testing (over 9,000 primarily in wild deer), last year the laboratory tested over 1600 samples for CWD by IHC. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: The VDL currently has staff trained for Influenza A (10), Avian Paramyxovirus (5), ASF (5), CSF (7), FMD (7) and CWD (2). All of the approved staff successfully participated in the 2019-2020 NAHLN proficiency tests for these diseases. The VDL has 5 people trained in BSL-3 laboratory procedures related to NAHLN testing, and an additional 3 people trained in BSL-3 procedures that can be leveraged in an emerging disease investigation. The VDL (multiple team members) participated in the USDA and NAHLN African Swine Fever Emergency Preparedness workshops that built on information gathered in previous workshops with producers, transporters and processors. We continued to serve as a conduit to the public regarding diagnostic testing efforts on their behalf as we work with local, state, and federal agencies to address emerging animal health concerns. Meetings were held at VDL by various animal health constituency groups and we continued to meet on a quarterly basis with MDARD veterinary services to discuss emerging threats, regulatory changes and program updates. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The VDL participated in 6 messaging PTs between September 2019 and June 2020. Laboratory efforts continued throughout the year to ensure the LIMS system and HL7 messaging capabilities meet project needs (messaging of all approved NAHLN diseases for which messages can be received). The VDL is currently approved for HL7 messaging for all approved NAHLN tests. Quality System: The Quality Assurance Unit continued to manage NAHLN controlled documents. This included the receipt and distribution of all new and revised documents along with the collection and archiving of all superseded and obsolete NAHLN documents. The Quality Assurance Unit is also responsible for performing internal audits which include review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The laboratory continued to support NAHLN activities by allowing the VDL Quality Assurance Manager to participate in a 2 -day planning session to develop an Advanced QMS training course for 2020, in addition to planning of the 2020 introductory QMS course. The VDL is fully accredited by the AAVLD through 2022. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Our scientific staff participated regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The laboratory director actively participates in the NAHLN Coordinating Council and serves as co-Chair for the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The Director was also co-Chair of the MTWG Sub-group on Emergency Validation that built on 2 emergency validation pathways approved in 2019 to explore emergency validation procedures for bulk tank milk and rope samples. The VDL microbiology section Chief is an active participant in the MTWG sub-team on genomic sequencing, and the VDL is a member of the AMR project, providing required isolates and information to advance the project.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The Nation's public health and food supply is at constant risk from accidental or malicious introduction of exotic animal diseases. As part of the NAHLN network, our goal is to help support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. In support of this goal and in support of NAHLN objectives, in this funding year the VDL interacted with our key stakeholders which include both state (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources); and federal entities or agents including Federal Animal Health Officials (USDA) and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory; and other NAHLN laboratories. The VDL also engaged with producers, animal transporters and other entities that support the swine industry, as well as Michigan State Police and representatives from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality during an ASF Emergency Preparedness workshop. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As noted in the Accomplishments, section, the VDL maintained training for multiple staff forInfluenza A (10), Avian Paramyxovirus (5), ASF (2), CSF (6), FMD (6) and CWD (2). All of the approved staff successfully participated in the 2018-19 NAHLN proficiency tests for these diseases. The VDL has 5 people trained in BSL-3 laboratory procedures related to NAHLN testing, and an additional 3 people trained in BSL-3 procedures that can be leveraged in an emerging disease investigation. The VDL (multiple team members) participated in the NAHLN 2018 EDWG Main Exercise (Exotic Newcastle Disease), and in April 2019 participated in the USDA African Swine Fever Emergency Preparedness workshop that engaged producers, transporters and various regulatory agencies in a table top exercise. We continued to serve as a conduit to the public regarding diagnostic testing efforts on their behalf as we work with local, state, and federal agencies to address emerging animal health concerns. Meetings were held at VDL by various animal health constituency groups and we continued to meet on a quarterly basis with MDARD veterinary services to discuss emerging threats, regulatory changes and program updates. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The VDL participated in workshops on END and ASF. These workshops enabled the VDL to interact and share information on identification and testing for these diseases with key stakeholders and partners. The VDL hosts a monthly meeting with the State Veterinarian, representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, USDA/APHIS, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the College of Veterinary Medicine to share information on emergency preparedeness and best practices and to discuss issues of importance to animal health. The VDL Director also attends the monthly Michigan Agri-Business Association breakfasts to share information with commodities groups, and participates in monthly One Health calls that include state and local human and animal health agencies. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities): The laboratory will stand prepared to provide diagnostic testing for suspect cases of avian influenza, Newcastle disease, etc. The VDL will leverage NAHLN funding to increase capacity to meet expanding molecular diagnostic needs in support of NAHLN project goals, including needs faced during an adverse health event caused by the presence of an emerging disease or foreign animal disease. We will also leverage NAHLN support to maintain and enhance our biocontainment capabilities including re-verification of our BSL-3 spaces, as well as for biosafety cabinet inspection and certification; and HEPA filter inspection to ensure appropriate biosafety and biocontainment. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: The VDL will continue to participate in the NAHLN-administered proficiency tests for avian influenza, swine influenza, ND, CSF, CWD, Scrapie, ASF and FMD testing. The VDL will increase the number of staff who are approved for ASF testing to at least 4 individuals, assuming availability of the PT and any necessary approvals from the NAHLN. The VDL will cross-train technical staff not responsible for conducting NALHN tests in performance of routine testing that would be disrupted should an emergency arise that would pull NAHLN testing technicians away from their daily activities. The VDL plans to continue offering workshops, roundtables and other events to prepare for emergency outbreaks or emerging diseases. Funds are requested to support travel to the annual AAVLD meeting to attend NAHLN related committee sessions and to keep abreast of national disease trends, as well as to travel to an appropriate meeting or workshop to increase skills and knowledge in advanced diagnostics used in support of AMR, and/or emerging disease detection and/or work-up. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The VDL will continue active HL7 messaging for all approved NAHLN tests and will continue to participate in offered messaging events. Laboratory efforts in this area will focus on maintaining robust IT support to meet NAHLN requirements and messaging expectations. Quality System: The Quality Assurance Unit will continue to manage NAHLN controlled documents, including the receipt and distribution of all new and revised documents along with the collection and archiving of all superseded and obsolete NAHLN documents. The Quality Assurance Unit will again be performing internal audits which include review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The laboratory will continue to expand and build on the capabilities provided by QPulse enabled by the increased number of primary licenses. This tool will document management, enable better tracking of corrective/preventative action, enhance audit management, and provide supplier, people, training, and asset modules which will be used to accomplish project objectives. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Our scientific staff will continue to participate regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The laboratory Director will continue to participate in the NAHLN Coordinating Council and to serve as co-Chair for the Methods Technical Working Group. The VDL will have representatives at the annual AAVLD meeting to attend and participate in NAHLN related committee sessions. The Director will continue as co-Chair of the MTWG Sub-group on Emergency Validation; the VDL Section Chief will continue to participate on the MTWG sub-team on genomic sequencing, and the VDL will continue to participate in the AMR project. The VDL stands ready to assist the NAHLN with other projects as the need arises.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Nation's public health and food supply is at constant risk from accidental or malicious introduction of exotic animal diseases. As part of the NAHLN network, our goal is to help support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. The VDL supported the NAHLN's mission to safeguard animal health by increasing capability to test for Foreign Animal Diseases by adding test capabilities (e.g. African Swine Fever); increasing our surge capacity and technical expertise to respond to a disease outbreak by adding specified instruments to run approved tests, by increasing the number of staff that are qualified and approved to run tests for the NAHLN, and by actively participating in Foreign Animal Disease emergency preparedness exercises for African Swine Fever and Exotic New Castle disease. Further the VDL maintained certified Ag-Biosafety Level 3 laboratory space as well as necropsy space that can support necropsy of multiple large animals to ensure adequate biosafety and biocontainment in the event of an emerging disease or foreign animal disease outbreak. As an emerging health threat, the NAHLN is actively investigating the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria isolated from food animals. The VDL actively participated in this AMR project by providing bacterial isolates from multiple species and related epidemiologic data. The VDL provided test results to the NAHLN for suspect highly pathogenic avian influenza, swine influenza, Exotic NewCastle Disease, Classical Swine Fever, Chronic Wasting Disease, Scrapie and Foot and Mouth Disease. As a Level 1 Laboratory in the NAHLN, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at Michigan State University met all key responsibilities required to maintain Level 1 designation, including maintaining a quality management system and full accreditation by the AAVLD to cover the scope of NAHLN testing; the ability to message results via HL7, and provision of BSL3 laboratory space. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities: The VDL provided testing for all 7 NAHLN approved tests and gained approval to test for ASF. In 2018-2019, the laboratory tested approximately 295 samples for HPAI by PCR. VDL performed FMD testing for >90 FAD investigations conducted by MDARD, testing a total of 476 samples for FMD (providing same day results). The laboratory continues to actively participate in the USDA surveillance program for Scrapie (IHC testing) and this year provided reagent specifications and methods requested by the NAHLN to determine if a new protocol could be used with the Biocare instrument for scrapie testing, given that the vendor no longer was providing reagents. The VDL also provided testing for NAHLN laboratories identified by the NAHLN that were unable to provide scrapie testing due to the Biocare issue (approximately 190 submissions with samples from 1-90 animals per submission). In addition to extensive efforts partnering with MDARD and the MDNR to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from wild whitetail deer and cattle herds in northeast Michigan, in the last 4 years we have provided critical testing for Chronic Wasting Disease in both free-ranging and farmed deer. In addition to ELISA testing (over 25,700 primarily in wild deer), last year the laboratory tested over 2000 samples for CWD by IHC. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: The VDL currently has staff trained for Influenza A (10), Avian Paramyxovirus (5), ASF (2), CSF (6), FMD (6) and CWD (2). All of the approved staff successfully participated in the 2018-19 NAHLN proficiency tests for these diseases. The VDL has 5 people trained in BSL-3 laboratory procedures related to NAHLN testing, and an additional 3 people trained in BSL-3 procedures that can be leveraged in an emerging disease investigation. The VDL (multiple team members) participated in the NAHLN 2018 EDWG Main Exercise (Exotic Newcastle Disease), and in April 2019 participated in the USDA African Swine Fever Emergency Preparedness workshop that engaged producers, transporters and various regulatory agencies in a table top exercise. We continued to serve as a conduit to the public regarding diagnostic testing efforts on their behalf as we work with local, state, and federal agencies to address emerging animal health concerns. Meetings were held at VDL by various animal health constituency groups and we continued to meet on a quarterly basis with MDARD veterinary services to discuss emerging threats, regulatory changes and program updates. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The VDL participated in 16 messaging PTs between April 2018 and June 2019. Laboratory efforts continued throughout the year to ensure the LIMS system and HL7 messaging capabilities meet project needs (messaging of all approved NAHLN diseases for which messages can be received). The VDL is currently approved for HL7 messaging for all approved NAHLN tests. Quality System: The Quality Assurance Unit continued to manage NAHLN controlled documents. This included the receipt and distribution of all new and revised documents along with the collection and archiving of all superseded and obsolete NAHLN documents. The Quality Assurance Unit is also responsible for performing internal audits which include review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The laboratory continued to support NAHLN activities by allowing the VDL Quality Assurance Manager to participate as a trainer in the Annual Quality Management System Training Program to provide continuing education to NAHLN Laboratories. In addition, two VDL staff engaged in activities in support of the NAHLN, attended QMS training. The VDL is fully accredited by the AAVLD through 2022. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Our scientific staff participated regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The laboratory director actively participates in the NAHLN Coordinating Council and serves as co-Chair for the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The Director was also co-Chair of the MTWG Sub-group on Emergency Validation that delivered 2 emergency validation pathways for approval. The VDL microbiology section Chief is an active participant in the MTWG sub-team on genomic sequencing, and the VDL is a member of the AMR project, providing required isolates and information to advance the project. The VDL provided methods details to the NAHLN to assess the potential of using a new protocol on the Biocare instrument for scrapie testing, and provided information on the potential cost and logistics of performing IHC testing for scrapie on tissues only after genotyping is completed.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The Nation's public health and food supply is at constant risk from accidental or malicious introduction of exotic animal diseases. As part of the NAHLN network, our goal is to help support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. In support of this goal and in support of NAHLN objectives, in this funding year the VDL interacted with our key stakeholders which includeboth state (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources); and federal entities or agents such as Federal Animal Health Officials (USDA) and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory; and other NAHLN laboratories. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As noted in the accomplishments section, training and professional development opportunities were part of, and essential to, meeting NAHLN objectives. Activities in this current year includedPT testing for multiple diseases in NAHLN scope; participation in interactive exercises or workshops for Foot and Mouth Disease, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Chronic Wasting Disease and Enzootic NewCastle Disease; training and development opportunities in the Quality System (QMS training, QPulse training) and attendance at scientific sessions at the annual AAVLD meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The VDL participated in multiple workshops and interactive sessions on HPAI, END, CWD and FMD. These workshops enabled the VDL to interact and share information on identifcation and testing for these diseases with key stakeholders and partners. The VDL hosts a monthly meeting with the State Veterinarian, representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, USDA/APHIS, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources,the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resourcesto share information on emergency preparedness and best practices and to discuss issues of importance to animal health. The VDL director also participates in monthly One Health calls that include state and local human and animal health agencies. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Quality System: The Quality Assurance Unit will continue to manage NAHLN controlled documents, including the receipt and distribution of all new and revised documents along with the collection and archiving of all superseded and obsolete NAHLN documents. The Quality Assurance Unit will again be performing internal audits which include review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The laboratory will continue to expand and build on the capabilities provided by QPulse, by purchasing additional primary licenses and providing on-line training for laboratory personnel. This tool will document management, enable better tracking of corrective/preventative action, enhance audit management, and provide supplier, people, training, and asset modules which will be used to accomplish project objectives. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: The VDL will continue to participate in the NAHLN-administered proficiency tests for avian influenza, swine influenza, ND, CSF, CWD, Scrapie and FMD testing. The VDL will respond rapidly to NAHLN requests for additional PT training or testing in support of new or changed testing demands. The VDL will cross-train technical staff not responsible for conducting NALHN tests in performance of routine testing that would be disrupted should an emergency arise that would pull NAHLN testing technicians away from their daily activities. The VDL plans to continue offering workshops, roundtables and other events to prepare for emergency outbreaks or emerging diseases. Funds are requested to support travel to the annual AAVLD meeting to attend NAHLN related committee sessions and keep abreast of national disease trends. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The VDL will continue active HL7 messaging for HPAI and will continue to participate in offered messaging events. Laboratory efforts in this area will focus on maintaining robust IT support to meet NAHLN requirements and messaging expectations. These include continued maintenance and any required updating continued maintenance and any required updating of coding in Cerner to support NAHLN messaging. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities): The laboratory will stand prepared to provide diagnostic testing for suspect cases of avian influenza, Newcastle disease, etc. The VDL will leverage NAHLN funding to increase capacity to meet expanding molecular diagnostic needs in support of NAHLN project goals, including needs faced during an adverse health event caused by the presence of an emerging disease or foreign animal disease. We will also leverage NAHLN support to maintain and enhance our biocontainment capabilities including re-verification of our BSL-3 spaces, as well as for biosafety cabinet inspection and certification; and HEPA filter inspection to ensure appropriate biosafety and biocontainment. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Our scientific staff will continue to participate regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group. The laboratory Director will continue to participate in the NAHLN Coordinating Council and to serve as co-Chair for the Methods Technical Working Group. The VDL will have representatives at the annual AAVLD meeting to attend and participate in NAHLN related committee sessions.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Nation's public health and food supply is at constant risk from accidental or malicious introduction of exotic animal diseases. As part of the NAHLN network, our goal is to help support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. In the event of an animal health emergency, such as introduction of a foreign animal disease in Michigan, our laboratory would likely be called upon by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and/or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, or activated by the NAHLN to process, test and report results to State and Federal regulatory agencies from large numbers of samples in a very short timeframe, while simultaneously meeting other routine testing needs. NAHLN funding is critical to ensuring that the laboratory has resources needed to help safeguard animal health and protect the food chain, and tomeet its commitments as a Level 1 laboratory in the NAHLN, including maintaining appropriately trained staff; maintaining a quality management system and full accreditation by the AAVLD to cover the scope of NAHLN testing. NAHLN sample handling, processing, and testing capacities (including enhancement of biocontainment capabilities): In this funding year, the laboratory leveraged NAHLN support to increase our sample handling and processing capabilities through purchase of needed laboratory equipment and to maintain and enhance our biocontainment capabilities through re-verification of our BSL-3 laboratory and necropsy spaces; inspection and certification of our biosafety cabinets; HEPA filter inspection and repair of our incinerator stack to ensure appropriate biosafety and containment. As a result, the laboratory was able to provide testing for the NAHLN for scrapie (118); IAV-A (over 3200); CSF (!5); SIV (10); FMD (over 800); APMV (2) and over 1900 samples for CWD for program managed deer. In addition, the laboratory also provided testing for SVA as part of over 90 FADs related to suspect FMD, where our BSL3 spaces were used daily. Staff training for foreign and emerging animal diseases: Maintaining an adequate number of appropriately trained staff is critical to ensure that the VDL can be prepared to handle an animal disease outbreak. In this funding year, the VDL participated in the NAHLN-administered proficiency tests for avian influenza (10 staff/faculty), swine influenza (6 staff/faculty), and NDV (6 staff/faculty), and remains approved for CSF, CWD, Scrapie and FMD testing with multiple PT tested individuals. The VDL also successfully passed PT testing for partner programs such as the National Poultry Improvement Plan. The VDL continued to cross-train technical staff not responsible for conducting NALHN tests in performance of routine testing that would be disrupted should an emergency arise that would pull NAHLN testing technicians away from their daily activities. VDL faculty participated in a 2 day national symposium/workshop on Chronic Wasting Disease. The VDL partnered with MDARD to do a de-brief from our HPAI workshop to review actions and outcomes. As additional disease outbreak training, multiple VDL faculty and staff participated at the state level in a simulated Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak as well as in a NAHLN exercise simulating an outbreak of Exotic NewCastle Disease. Both of these exercises enabled the laboratory to review processes, identify areas for improvement, and helped strengthen communication between our key stakeholders. In addition, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, laboratory faculty and staff just completed media training to be better prepared to share scientific information in the event of a disease outbreak. As a result, the VDL is better prepared and positioned to rapidly respond to an adverse animal health event. Laboratory information management system (including NAHLN messaging): The ability to rapidly report test results through HL-7 messaging is a priority of the NAHLN. In FY2017-18, the VDL actively partnered with our Information Technology Services team to ensure staff were appropriately trained and available to participate in messaging competency exercises and to build out the number of NAHLN tests that the VDL can actively message. As a result, the laboratory was certified in HL7 messaging for FMD; IAV-A; APMV-1; and IAV-S and is anticipating confirmation of active message capabilities for all approved diseases at the time of this writing. Quality System: Ensuring proper control and distribution of NAHLN documents including receipt and distribution of new and revised documents, along with collection and archiving of superceded or obsolete NAHLN documents is vital to ensure all faculty and staff are aware of, and following approved NAHLN procedures for testing. In this funding cycle, the Quality Unit performed internal audits which included review of compliance to NAHLN methods. The laboratory leveraged NAHLN funding to successfully implement and expand use of QPulse, by purchasing additional primary licenses and providing on-line training for laboratory personnel. This tool is used for document management, for tracking of corrective/preventative action, to enhance audit management, and will continue to be expanded to provide supplier, people, training, and asset modules which will be used to accomplish project objectives. In addition, the laboratory maintained full accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD); the Quality Manager of the laboratory was a trainer at QMS training; and VDL staff also participated in QMS training. As a result, the laboratory has demonstrated a commitment to quality and adherence to NAHLN and AAVLD standards in support of NAHLN objectives. Inter-laboratory activities in support of the goals of the NAHLN: Active participation in the NAHLN is critical to ensure the VDL is aware of emerging situations; keeps abreast of new directions or proposed changes in priorities or testing modalities; and to maintain good lines of communication. Our scientific staff participated regularly in the bimonthly "general membership" call conducted by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group.In addition, the laboratory Director actively participated in teleconferences and an onsite meeting as a member of the NAHLN Coordinating Council. The laboratory director also actively participated in the NAHLN MTWG, serving as co-Chair of the Core Committee and attending the on-site annual meeting in addition to multiple teleconferences. As noted above, the Quality Manager was a trainer at the annual QMS training and multiple staff members also participated in QMS training. In addition, multiple faculty and staff attended NAHLN-related meetings at the annual AAVLD meeting. As a result, the VDL is prepared to support NAHLN program objectives.
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