FDA Vet-LIRN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory infrastructure funding program to strengthen sample analysis capacity and capabilities related to animal food-borne diseases

Project Summary The aim of this Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (Vet-LRN) Cooperative Agreement Program is to increase sample analysis capabilities for the FDA by collaborating with Vet-LRN laboratories in response to animal food or drug-related illnesses, as well as other significant animal food/feed emergencies necessitating increased testing capacity for implicated diagnostic or animal food samples. This testing will encompass microbiological analysis of samples such as animal food, feed and drugs, as well as associated environmental samples, and animal diagnostic necropsy or clinical samples. The Auburn University CVM Diagnostic Laboratory will conduct selected analyses of diagnostic samples provided by the FDA or other government agencies in the event of large-scale microbiological contamination affecting animal food or products. Furthermore, federal or state surveillance assignments will likely serve as additional sources of samples for analysis. The overarching objective of the cooperative agreement is to enhance and utilize university, state, and federal veterinary diagnostic laboratory testing capabilities. The program will facilitate the implementation of standardized analyses through the utilization of standardized methods, equipment, analytical worksheets, and electronic reporting. Each of the methods will be supported with training and proficiency testing, while the quality management systems will be bolstered. Additionally, small-scale method development and method validation projects will be undertaken as directed by the Vet-LRN Program Office. The requested funding will be allocated for supplies, equipment maintenance, travel, case investigations and personnel time.