The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new partnership between the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). In order to bolster the capabilities and capacities of NAHLN, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will deploy five scientists in laboratories located in each of NAHLN's five areas. By ensuring that all network laboratories are outfitted to combat cross-border and newly developing illnesses, the goal is to protect the nation's agricultural and food supply systems.
A review team composed of officials from APHIS, NBAF, and NAHLN has decided that five significant NAHLN facilities around the country will each house a scientist working on this project. Each of these scientists will be located in a different part of the country. These professionals will evaluate and develop diagnostic techniques for animal and zoonotic diseases through cross-organizational collaboration and evaluation of regional, national, and international concerns. This research is being supported by APHIS using money from NBAF Partnerships and Innovation as part of a larger plan to prevent the introduction of animal pests and diseases into the United States and to reduce the impact of any such incursions by proactive measures. The goal of this bigger approach is to keep animal pests and diseases from entering the country in the first place.
The NAHLN coordinating team made their selections for the participating labs, which comprise the following members:
Region 1: Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center/New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Region 2: Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services
Region 3: Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic
Laboratory Region 4: Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic
Laboratory Region 5: Washington Animal Disease
Laboratory for Medical and Health Research The work done by the USDA is beneficial to every single American on a daily basis. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to reshape the American food system in a number of different ways, including by creating new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers through the use of climate-smart food and forestry practices; making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America; and committing to equity across the Determinant Group.
