APHIS and NIFA worked in conjunction with NAHLN Coordinating Council on details, transition and implementation of NAHLN restructure, based on 2013 NAHLN Concept Paper. The overall process for determining needs and lab distribution involved 4 steps over the last year:

The group used a decision matrix to assess each laboratory before recommending laboratory distribution. The decision matrix is an objective and justifiable tool that is reflective of the main criteria of concept paper, self-assessment and key NAHLN mission factors. A combination of minimum criteria and percentage of total matrix points were used to determine each lab's level.

The available APHIS and NIFA funding for lab infrastructure funds will be distributed among Level 1, 2 and 3 laboratories based on combined percentage of testing capacity that each level provides.

The group developed a plan to reassess both lab classification and funding. On an annual basis, funding distribution based on available funds and number of labs per level. A full network assessment will occur every three years to update capacity and evaluate the use of the matrix. The new structure will be implemented in 2016; funding adjustments will be made with 2016 funding cycles - March 2016 (APHIS) and June 2016 (NIFA).

 

A total of 17 NAHLN laboratories were involved in the 2015 outbreak response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). As of October 30, 2015, these laboratories ran approximately 95,000 PCR assays and conducted 1300 virus isolations. The network was activated which included: the direction of samples to other NAHLN labs and deployment of personnel from one NAHLN lab to another to increase local capacity. The NAHLN program continues to prepare for the reappearance of HPAI by finalizing a funding mechanism for deployed NAHLN lab staff, finalizing mobile laboratory activation criteria, and working with commercial companies regarding reagent availability.

In response to the ongoing Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) outbreak, NVSL-DVL validated a VSV PCR test in spring 2015. In May, the NAHLN program office deployed the test to those NAHLN laboratories previously approved for VSV testing. Once NVSL confirmed the first case of VSV in the state, the NAHLN laboratory was eligible for activation. This allowed the laboratory to use the PCR and Compliment Fixation assays for testing cases from clinically ill equine species with VSV compatible clinical signs located within the State. Since May, five laboratories have been activated for VSV testing.

NVSL continues to provide confirmation testing for new states, ruminants and any inconclusive results.

The original Quality Management System (QMS) course in 2010 was developed to assist the NAHLN laboratories in implementing and continually improving quality management systems; it has since expanded to assist other laboratory networks and international colleagues. In 2015, the NAHLN program office and AAVLD trainers provided QMS training to 50 participants from the Plant Protection and Quarantine's Center for Plant Health that included participants from the Science and Technology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD, National Plant Board and the National Clean Plant Network. In August 2015, the NAHLN program office, International Services (IS), Veterinary Services' Professional Development Staff (PDS), and AAVLD trainers offered the annual QMS training course in Ames, IA. Forty-five participants from NAHLN laboratories and 21 participants representing 14 countries participated in the training. The three-and-a-half day training provided an interactive class environment that included topics such as: quality management system requirements, document control, internal auditing, corrective actions, root cause analysis, and a mock audit. Additionally, the development and expanded use of the on-line QMS training-- a collaboration between AAVLD, Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and NAHLN--continued in 2015 and will be on-going in 2016.

The network continues to make advancements in laboratory messaging. Veterinary Services can now receive electronic messages, using the Health Level 7 (HL7) standards, for 9 diseases, up from 5 last year. There are currently 20 NAHLN laboratories actively messaging, with 10 additional laboratories actively working to build their capability. The integration of laboratory data into VS' Emergency Management Response System (EMRS 2.0), which was successfully demonstrated with the SECD outbreak in 2014 has proven essential for the HPAI response. Additionally, the NVSL is now routinely messaging confirmatory results for several diseases. In 2016, we plan to: expand the number of labs messaging and the diseases for which VS can receive HL7 messages; integrate with other internal  systems to automatically move lab/testing data; and explore collaboration and integration of lab data to support other initiatives.

We made several improvements to the NAHLN Portal in 2015. These improvements include the continued integration with the Laboratory Capacity Estimation Model (LCEM).  This, eliminates the need for double entry of some information fields related to laboratory capacity - they now automatically move into LCEM from the Portal. Additionally, we implemented a new method for managing security roles, providing NAHLN laboratories more flexibility for accessing, updating and editing their information within the Portal. We continue to work with NVSL personnel to expand the proficiency testing module by adding non-NAHLN laboratories and personnel for APHIS-approved testing. This includes mechanisms for both NAHLN labs and non-NAHLN labs to receive invitations to participate in upcoming proficiency tests (PTs), register participants, and enter PT test results through the Portal. Laboratory personnel can also acknowledge receipt and download current standard operating procedures released to their labs, provide electronic copies of accreditation documents and enter assay performance monitoring data.

The NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group (MTWG) met in March 2015. Topics included updating the charter to restructure the group and expand membership opportunities. Under the new structure, there will be general and core members. All NAHLN laboratories will be encouraged to name a representative to the general membership. Bi-monthly conference calls will be held with the general membership to share information, provide opportunities for feedback and offer a platform to request volunteers in specific areas where expertise is needed. The core committee will consist of federal employees and state partners, identified by expertise, and lab level representatives who serve on a rotational schedule. These members will lead sub-groups that address specific topics based on identified needs and projects by the general membership.

With the 2015 HPAI outbreak, the MTWG evaluated several requests for changes in instrumentation or procedures to increase efficiency during surge testing. These requests led to multiple methods and instrument comparisons that the group conducted and/or reviewed. The MTWG continues to evaluate these and other requests for the most efficient use of NAHLN laboratory resources. Additionally, the group finalized the dossiers for real time RT-PCR for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus in bulk tank milk, the FMD pen-side antigen assay and FMD serological negative cohort studies in 2015. The dossier for real time RT-PCR for African swine fever was presented and reviewed. Upcoming dossiers for review include methods comparison study was conducted to compare 3 different master mixes for use to test HPAI samples. Finally, the group continued their routine review and providing input on a number of NVSL Standard Operating Procedures for NAHLN assays.

 

The NAHLN Exercises and Drills Working Group (EDWG) completed a hands-on receiving/accessioning exercise in 2015. Fourteen NAHLN laboratories participated in this FMD table-top exercise.  They received increments of increasing numbers of mock-samples in their laboratories to process through the receiving and accessioning sections over a three day period. Feedback from the laboratories was very helpful in identifying gaps that can be addressed, including support from the NAHLN program office. Responses were very positive and lessons learned should provide labs with useful information to help them improve their emergency response plans. Additionally, the EDWG is working towards an exercise program that includes regular drills, exercises targeting specific areas and processes in labs, and utilization of virtual tools such as LCEM and the NAHLN Portal to train and overall enhance preparedness in laboratories. In 2015, the NAHLN program office conducted four drills were including capability and capacity information related to CSF and FMD testing.

VS has been charged with implementing a number of activities related to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). NAHLN program staff and NVSL's Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory (DBL) engaged AAVLD and FDA to form a joint working group.  The working group will design an implementation plan for collecting and analyzing AMR data generated in US veterinary diagnostic laboratories. As part of this overarching goal, the working group finalized a survey that AAVLD administered to veterinary diagnostic laboratories in September, with preliminary results being presented at this year's AAVLD Bacteriology Committee. Next, the committee will focus on defining standard testing methodology, data collection, needs and gaps that may impact implementation of a national surveillance plan.

A joint working group consisting of members of the National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS) Steering Committee and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Coordinating Council was formed to develop a draft implementation plan for the National List of Reportable Animal Diseases (NLRAD), including emerging diseases, which will be shared with stakeholders for comment. Topics addressed in the plan include triggers, timeline, confidentiality/proprietary issues and case definition for reporting of emerging diseases, including case definition, and other NLRAD listed diseases.

The first phase of integration of aquaculture testing into the NAHLN is successful; NAHLN labs approved for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSV) and Infectious Salmon Anemia virus (ISAV) completed the first round of proficiency tests. Eleven NAHLN labs will be testing for VHSV and six NAHLN labs will be testing for ISAV. The proposed Phase 2 of the process is to invite other Federal and State non-NAHLN laboratories (e.g., U.S. FWS Fish Health Laboratories) and private aquatic animal health testing laboratories to consider applying for NAHLN approval and test for the approved aquatic diseases using standardized requirements. This phase can occur once the NAHLN restructure is completed, which will allow for the possibility of including private laboratories into the NAHLN. Preparation for Phase 3 will occur concurrently with VS aquaculture staff holding discussions with stakeholders to identify additional diseases  to be added to the aquatic animal pathogen group within the NAHLN scope.

There were a number of resolutions put forward from various committees that may be of interest to NAHLN stakeholders. The resolutions can be found at http://www.usaha.org/Reference/USAHAResolutions/2015USAHAResolutions.aspx .

Article submitted by Christina M. Loiacono, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Associate Coordinator, NAHLN Program Office,  USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA;  Beth Harris, M.S., PhD., Associate Coordinator, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA; and Sarah M. Tomlinson, DVM, NAHLN Coordinator, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Fort Collins, CO.

  Article submitted by Traci Imlau, Program Assistant, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.