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Establish a unified network of public agricultural institutions to identify and respond to high risk biological pathogens in the food and agricultural system using a core network of 5 animal and 5 plant diagnostic laboratories.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: There is a potential of having multiple diseases, plant and pathogen, introduced into the agricultural system. A need to expand control measures for this problem needs development. Identify and respond to exotic and domestic pests and diseases that affect the agricultural system.
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APPROACH: Develop a two-way, secure communications network with other universities and the USDA diagnostic laboratories in their respective regions. Laboratories will be responsible for deploying standardized diagnostic approaches for identifying exotic and domestic pests and pathogens that are of biosecurity concern. The plant and animal disease diagnostics database will include test procedures, experts, and identification data.