Companion Animal and Animal Food Diagnostic Sample Analysis in Support of FDA Vet-LIRN Activities and Investigation.

PROJECT SUMMARY The Clinical Infec�ous Disease Laboratory at the Mathew J Ryan Veterinary Hospital (PA-Ryan), located at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, currently offers comprehensive microbiology, parasitology and molecular biology veterinary diagnos�c services for companion animal and exo�c species. PA- Ryan became a member of the Veterinary Laboratory Inves�ga�on and Response Network (VetLIRN) in 2017. It also is affiliated with the PADLS on the New Bolton Center campus, which is a first- �er laboratory member of the Vet-LIRN. PA-Ryan is experienced in the analysis of a variety of sample and matrix types, including but not limited to animal samples, environmental samples, water, and animal food products. PA-Ryan is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Associa�on (AAHA) as a hospital-based laboratory. In addi�on to addressing the current need for added laboratory capacity in the event of a large-scale outbreak or threat incident involving companion animals or animal food, PA-Ryan will con�nue to further strengthen the Vet-LIRN through molecular diagnos�c ac�vi�es that beter enable early detec�on of emerging pathogenic agents and facilitate the rapid responses that can minimize harm and best protect both human and animal health. In the previous 5 years (FY2018-FY2023), the PA-Ryan lab has had several successes as a VetLIRN laboratory including publica�on of 5 peer-reviewed ar�cle, 4 public presenta�ons, 2 public webpages and 1 standardized protocol. PA-Ryan has also expanded its capacity for tes�ng by implementa�on of new technologies and standardized tests with other VetLIRN laboratories. PA-Ryan has also par�cipated in numerous VetLIRN proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparison exercises. PA-Ryan currently serves as a Source Lab for the VetLIRN AMR surveillance project and has provided 756 isolates for Whole Genome Sequencing during the previous funding period. During the next funding period, PA-Ryan will con�nue to partner with VetLIRN to standardize methods and quality procedures along with faithfully conduct VPO directed case inves�ga�ons and other projects. PA-Ryan is dedicated to the mission the VetLIRN sets forth “to improve veterinary medicine and promote public and animal health”.