Program of Economically Important Infectious Animal Diseases (PEIIAD)

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The mission of PEIIAD is to advance research and outreach activities that are related to economically critical infectious animal diseases in order to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases into US animal populations. Research strategies unite appropriate diagnostic measurements and surveillance systems through an integrated, broad-based approach. Research findings are synthesized so that an animal disease concern is pursued from its roots in basic science through to policy development and outreach approaches. Current, applied knowledge of infectious animal diseases on a global scale is vital to US public health and security due to the possible human health impacts of zoonotic diseases, agricultural economic devastation resulting from an uncontained animal disease outbreak, and to homeland security due to the potential for the intentional or unintentional importation of disease through animals and animal products. In 1998, PEIIAD was conceived, designed and initially funded to fill a national void concerning the integrated funding, development and initiation of research on animal diseases that threaten the national economy. Before PEIIAD's creation, no single entity provided timely, multidisciplinary research focused entirely on animal diseases that threaten the US food supply or that cause or have the potential to cause serious economic losses for animal agriculture on a local, national, and international scale. PEIIAD researchers have extensive international infectious disease experience that promotes a necessary global perspective.

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APPROACH: Global, emerging infectious animal diseases PEIIAD is extensively involved in the global effort to control the spread of highly contagious animal diseases that can threaten the US, such as Avian Influenza & Foot & Mouth Disease. Activities involve authoring & conducting national & international training programs, participating in risk modeling, & advising government agencies regarding control strategies. Staff members have been involved in building a simulation epidemiological model to determine the effectiveness of various strategies in controlling avian influenza. PEIIAD staff members have been engaged in 10 training sessions related to epidemiology of Avian Influenza in SE Asia, the Middle East, & selected African & European countries. Research on FMD in wildlife species to generate parameters has been conducted for the purpose of incorporation in a decision analysis model & to address transmission between wildlife & domestic species. Staff members are heavily participating in the global & national science-based policy making process for BSE & other TSE diseases in animal populations. Dr. M.D. Salman, is participating in global animal health & welfare through engagement with the European Union Animal Health Programs. Risk & decision analysis models During the last 4 years, PEIIAD has contributed to the creation of a risk analysis model for describing the spread of highly contagious animal diseases. This model is currently being evaluated by Canadian & US animal health authorities for its application in FMD, Classical Swine Fever, Pseudorabies, & AI situations. Validation of the model is underway using data collected from the most recent outbreaks of FMD in Uruguay, & Brazil, AI in Thail&, & Exotic New Castle disease in California. Endemic animal diseases that impact animal movement, marketing & food safety During the last 5 years, the lab has developed & validated a Mycobacterium bovis diagnostic assay for bovine tuberculosis that is currently used by the USDA's National VS Lab. This lab has also participated in the validation of the new, advanced diagnostic assays for animal diseases such as strangles in horses, brucellosis, & serological assays for bovine TB. Surveillance Methods & Biosecurity New methods for surveillance that can aid in the biosecurity measures are currently being evaluated by staff members. These scientists have been involved in national & international programs for an objective assessment of the efficacy & value of biosecurity practices. The staff has initiated & implemented an awareness program in foreign animal diseases to train practicing vet professionals to be first responders in the event of a disease introduction. Disease Interface between Wildlife & Domestic Animals The impacts of diseases due to the interaction between wildlife & domestic animals are currently evaluated with specific emphasis on options of reliable & practical control strategies. Measuring the diseases in both wildlife & domestic animal species is a component of this area of focus. Staff members along with USDA specialists & other related agencies have initiated & implemented several basic & applied research projects in this focus area.