NAHLN WI: 2009

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The 2009 WVDL proposal provides a plan of work to continue our preparation for agricultural emergencies. The proposal contains plans for increased surveillance activities; quality control and information technology improvements; continued education of 15 microbiologists; expanded collaboration with state partners; and inter-laboratory collaborations to further develop capacity for emergency response. WVDL expects to participate in four surveillance programs for the following diseases: bird flu, mad cow disease, swine influenza and classical swine fever in the coming year. We will incorporate new assays and surveillance activities as they are deployed by USDA. Surveillance will also be conducted for diseases that potentially look like foot and mouth disease or bird flu by using a WVDL rapid assay. The expected benefit is increased capacity for early detection of potentially harmful pathogens to animals and people. The Wisconsin 2009 program will continue to emphasize laboratory expertise in performance of rapid testing. Maintenance of this expertise and maintaining the history of successful proficiency testing will be the primary goals for this grant period. Each microbiologist will practice performing rapid assays at least 12 hours per month in order to ensure a high level of competence. The anticipated outcome is a staff of 15 microbiologists trained and able to provide a rapid response around-the-clock in an outbreak situation. WVDL is part of the Wisconsin Inter-laboratory Emergency Response Group (WILERG). The expected outcome of WILERG activities is the modification of an agricultural emergency action plan to address laboratory activities during an outbreak situation. In addition to WILERG, we have collaborated extensively with our public health lab in the past on projects and will again share laboratory expertise.