The NAHLN Update 2017
Volume 8, No. 2
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK (NAHLN)
A STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP TO SAFEGUARD ANIMAL HEALTH 
Founding Principles and Features of the NAHLN
  • Operate within a quality management system
  • Establish and maintain competency of laboratory personnel
  • Use Standardized protocols, reference materials, and equipment
  • Use facilities with biosafety/biosecurity levels requisite for testing performed
  • Participate in communications and real time electronic reporting systems
  • Evaluate preparedness (identify and prioritize gaps) through scenario testing 
In This Issue:

New Briefs

Testing for influenza...What's new since 2013?

Tips for submitting avian samples to NVSL

Getting to know us: Celeste Philibert

With Great Partnerships Come Great Responsibilities

NAHLN Laboratory Director Feature

Round up
NEWS BRIEFS :

  • September 28, 2017 - 1:00 – 2:30 PM CST Quarterly NAHLN Laboratory Directors Call.


  • November 13-17, 2017 Barcoding/Messaging Exercise - 2. Sponsored by the NAHLN Exercises and Drills working group. Labs will pick any three consecutive days during this week to schedule their exercise. More information to come.
Input Welcome! 
We appreciate hearing from you! Are there other topics that you would like to hear about? Please email your comments to us at NAHLN@aphis.usda.gov .    
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NAHLN Success Stories
Please submit your NAHLN success stories to share in upcoming issues of the NAHLN Update Newsletter. 

Click here to submit your NAHLN success stories!
Testing for influenza A …. What’s new since 2013?
We visited influenza A testing in 2013 and a lot can happened in 5 years. We wanted to revisit testing for a disease that impacts so many! 
 
Influenza A is a highly diverse virus that affects many species. Our first line screening/surveillance tools are designed to target conserved regions of the influenza A virus (IAV) ( Table 1). The approach to surveillance is influenced by how the disease impacts the species. For swine, influenza (IAV-S) is an endemic disease and vaccination is common. In horses, influenza is an important rule-out for respiratory disease, especially where vaccine is not used. Detection of reportable H5 or H7 subtypes in poultry may result in trade impacts, and vaccination against these subtypes is not allowed without state and federal agreement.
 
Surveillance for avian influenza (IAV-A) is conducted using a flock-based approach in poultry. The World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE) member countries, including the United States, must report highly pathogenic avian influenza, regardless of species. Moreover, all H5 or H7 low pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry must be reported to OIE headquarters. The H5 and H7 subtypes are of particular concern given their ability to mutate to a highly pathogenic form after introduction into poultry. Neither swine nor equine influenza are OIE-listed diseases, and member countries are therefore not required to report their occurrence. See Table one for some of the notable differences among diagnostic tests performed by NVSL and other NAHLN labs on samples collected from swine and poultry. 
The role of laboratory networks in influenza testing. State and university NAHLN laboratories interested in performing influenza testing must submit requests to the NAHLN Program Office by way of the annual NAHLN Agreement for Participation. Once approved, the laboratories must participate in annual proficiency testing. Approved NAHLN laboratories conduct routine diagnostic testing according to standard operating procedures (SOP) for foreign animal disease investigations and outbreak response and recovery. The National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP) authorized laboratory system consists of State, university, and private/industry laboratories that perform standardized IAV testing for surveillance purposes. Many NAHLN laboratories are also NPIP authorized laboratories.
 
There are distinct differences in how poultry samples and swine samples are tested. Those differences reflect the reportable nature of H5/H7 avian influenza compared to swine influenza—the latter being an endemic, non-reportable disease.
 
Avian/Poultry Testing
Avian samples with non-negative IAV-A test results at NPIP or NAHLN state laboratories are forwarded to the NVSL for confirmatory testing which is its role as the national reference laboratory. NVSL confirmatory testing address two important elements: (1) HA and NA subtypes (if H5/H7 are detected by the NAHLN lab) the HA subtype is ‘ presumptive’ until ‘ confirmed’ based upon NVSL result; and (2) virus pathotype   is also ‘ presumptive’ based upon the clinical presentation of the flock compared to the USDA HPAI case definition. The virus pathotype is and ‘ confirmed’ based upon the HA cleavage site sequence at NVSL.

The HA (and NA) subtype(s) may be determined by either RNA or antibody
The virus pathotype is ‘ presumptive’ based upon the clinical presentation of the flock and ‘ confirmed’ from RNA or virus testing (not antibody).
 
For poultry, NVSL attempts to rapidly determine: (1) the HA (and NA) subtype by PCR, genetic sequence, and/or serology; and (2) the pathotype (e.g., HPAI or LPAI) by genetic sequencing of the HA cleavage site. Collection of additional samples (swabs and sera where indicated) may be helpful to determine whether birds are at the beginning of infection (e.g., expect more viral RNA in follow up samples), or near the end of infection where an antibody response has been mounted, and the infection is being cleared. This may incur a minor delay, but usually not by more than 24 hours from sample receipt. Where additional samples are not available, further laboratory characterization must await virus recovery which can take up to 14 days. If virus is not recovered, the pathotype remains ‘ presumptive’ based upon the clinical signs in the field.
 
Swine Testing
Swine influenza testing is voluntary and may be submitted anonymously (owner unidentified). Laboratories participating in the NAHLN surveillance program test samples and recover virus; isolates are sent on to the NVSL repository—some of which are selected for whole genome characterization. However, where there is a human health concern, swine samples must be shipped directly to the NVSL for all testing.
 
Click here for information on USDA’s swine influenza surveillance program.

Approved Laboratories
Click on the links below to find out what your laboratory is approved to do.
 
Link to Authorized NPIP laboratories
Link to State NAHLN laboratories
 
NAHLN IAV-S- and IAV-A-approved laboratories and NPIP (IAV-A only) laboratories must use assays specified in the NVSL SOPs if they test samples for a foreign animal disease investigation, NAHLN surveillance, or other USDA testing program.  
 
Tests
 
Real-time RT-PCR
 
Influenza A (IAV) is an RNA virus and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is used to detect IAV RNA (nucleic acid). The primary test is influenza Type A-specific and targets well-conserved areas of the genome, e.g., the matrix gene (M), to enable detection of a broad range of IAV subtypes with a single test. Samples are initially screened using the IAV-M PCR ( Figure 2 ). Detection by the IAV-M PCR test indicates IAV RNA is present, but it does not reveal the subtype. Due to the genetic diversity of IAV, subtyping is best conducted by genetic sequencing. However, PCR is a useful tool for rapid identification of subtypes of concern (H5/H7 for avian samples; H1/H3 and N1/N2 in swine; H5/H7-negative samples from turkeys). Results can be obtained within 4 hours from sample receipt which includes processing and verification time. Avian and swine samples from which viral RNA is detected by IAV-M are further tested by the relevant subtype tests (refer to Table 1 ). Because PCR tests for the presence of nucleic acid, it is possible to detect dead and/or inactivated virus. For this reason, isolation proceeds in parallel to confirm the presence of viable virus. Real-time RT-PCR is a semi-quantitative test, and results may be reported in terms of a Ct (cycle threshold) value, together with an interpretation. The Ct value represents the number of cycles at which the fluorescence that’s generated during the PCR crosses the threshold determined for that assay ( Figure 3 ).
A lower Ct value (closer to 1) indicates more target (e.g. nucleic acid) was detected, and Ct values approaching 35 and greater suggest little target is present. Where low amounts of viral RNA are present, especially in the presence of antibody, subtyping PCR tests may be negative and virus may not be recovered. Collection of additional samples where possible may be valuable in determining the flock or herd status .
Virus isolation
  
Virus isolation (VI) is a diagnostic test for both avian influenza and swine influenza, but the test differs depending upon the expected receptor binding preference of the virus. For swine influenza viruses (which may also infect turkeys), VI is typically performed in mammalian cell culture, whereas VI is conducted in embryonated chicken eggs for most samples from avian species. For either system, virus growth may occur within a couple of days of starting the test, however, test results are not available until the passages are complete (up to 14 days).
Sequencing  

Following virus isolation for samples from swine, some of the NAHLN labs perform gene sequencing on the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of the virus (if the NAHLN lab does not perform sequencing, the sample is forwarded to another laboratory to be sequenced). The NVSL performs whole genome sequencing for selected isolates maintained in the swine influenza virus repository. Gene sequences generated by the NAHLN labs, as well as NVSL, are made available to the public in GenBank .
For poultry, partial sequencing is attempted at NVSL for any H5 or H7 detection in order to determine the pathogenicity using the molecular determinants as defined in the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals . [5] Partial sequencing may also be applied to other IAV subtypes. Whole genome sequencing is also performed on poultry samples, as well as other avian species, and made available to the public. Real-time analysis of sequence data helps inform epidemiologic investigations. Sequence data from Wildlife Services Interagency Wild Bird Surveillance contributes a large amount of data to further the understanding of IAV-A ecology.
 
Regardless of the species of origin, ongoing analysis of IAV sequence data allows for the detection of emerging influenza variants that may be a public or animal health threat. Such data improves the understanding of influenza virus ecology and genetic evolution, and has helped strengthen animal and public health partnerships.
 
Serology
 
While the diagnostic tests listed above are specific for the detection of viral antigen, serologic tests can be used to detect an antibody response following infection. The value of antibody testing is limited when animals are vaccinated. In these situations the testing is typically conducted to monitor the vaccination response unless diagnostic tests are available to differentiate the vaccine response from a natural infection. Swine are routinely vaccinated, however, H5/H7 vaccination of poultry is not allowed in the US without federal and state authority approval. Because turkeys are uniquely susceptible to swine lineage viruses, H1/H3 vaccination is common among breeders. 
 
Typically, avian sera are screened for influenza Type A-specific antibody by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) or an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. These tests target conserved proteins, like the nucleoprotein, enabling detection of a broad range of IAV subtypes with a single test. These tests will also reveal if an antibody to IAV is present, but will not distinguish the subtype. 
 
Avian sera with IAV antibody detection are forwarded to NVSL for subtyping using a series of antigens specific to each of the 16 hemagglutinin and 9 neuraminidase subtypes of IAV. Due to the antigenic diversity of IAV, multiple antigens of the same subtype may be used to identify the subtype. For swine sera, testing is specific for swine lineage subtypes H1 and H3 or N1 and N2. Results can be obtained within 24 hours from sample receipt.
 
Because the screening tests (e.g., ELISA, AGID) and subtyping tests target antibody to different proteins, subtype determination may not always be possible following Type A antibody detection.
 
Summary
 
Diagnosticians have a variety of tests in their toolbox to screen unknown samples, identify the virus present, the antibody subtype, and characterize the genome of the virus. When combined with the clinical information from a herd or flock, these tools can provide crucial information needed to address a disease outbreak situation. Where the flock or individual status is in question, collection of additional samples (swabs and sera where indicated) is recommended, and may help determine whether animals are at the beginning of infection (e.g., expect more viral RNA in follow up samples), or near the end of infection where an antibody response has been mounted, and the infection is being cleared. This can incur a minor delay, but usually not by more than 24 hours from sample receipt.

Contributed by Mia Kim Torchetti DVM, MS, PhD, Mary Lea Killian, MS, and John Schiltz DVM, USDA APHIS VS STAS National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Diagnostic Virology Laboratory. Photos contributed by Mary Lea Killian.
______________________________________________________________
[ 1] Sample collection guidance for avian species available at: www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/downloads/WIAV0020.pdf
[3] Only NVSL can confirm the presence of a suspected Foreign Animal Disease in the U.S. Refer to Foreign Animal Disease guidance at: www.aphis.usda.gov/fadprep  
[5] http://www.oie.int/international-standard-setting/terrestrial-manual/access-online/
Tips for submitting avian samples to NVSL
Fall migration is around the corner! This is a good time for a refresher on submitting high-quality samples from avian investigations, and making sure they arrive in good condition at the lab.

Information on avian sample collection and submission is found in

Contact the lab . If you have any question about avian sample submission, don't wing it! The best way to contact the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) Avian Section is by phone (515-337-7551) or email ( nvsl.dvl.avian@aphis.usda.gov ). This email address reaches all  the veterinary medical officers and microbiologists with the Avian Section listed in the table below (feel free to include specific individuals if needed). 

Email ahead of the shipment. In order for the NVSL to prepare, it is important to send an email ahead of the shipment (on the day the package is shipped), especially for urgent testing, using nvsl.dvl.avian@aphis.usda.gov .

Write in the subject line of your email message:  
  • (For foreign animal disease or poultry samples) State FAD reference number (or 2-digit state code if no FAD number)/Priority X/shipping company and tracking number.
  • (For wildlife samples) 2-digit State code /wild bird/shipping company and tracking number.
​
Include in the body of your email message:
  • number of samples
  • tracking number
  • pertinent case information
  • and submitter's contact information.

Attach a copy of your 10-4 submission form to your message. The 10-4 form can be accessed here .

Special instructions for high priority investigations . If the investigation is priority A or 1 , contact the Avian Section directly.
Call 515-337-7551 and speak to one of these people:  ​
Special instructions for after-hours courier. These things always seem to happen on Friday afternoons! Here's what you should do if you are sending a driver/courier after hours/holidays/weekends:
  • Indicate "AVIAN Samples for NVSL-DVL" with FAD or reference number on package.
  • Email information as requested above, including the number of samples, as soon as available along with 1) driver's name, 2) driver's telephone number, 3) license plate number, and 4) estimated arrival time to NVSL.
  • Provide the following address and contact information to the driver/courier:
National Veterinary Services Laboratories
1920 Dayton Ave. Ames, IA 50010
515-337-7200 or 515-337-7139 for Security
  • Tell the driver/courier to call Security (at one of the numbers listed above) when he/she is approximately 15 minutes from arrival at the lab. A security guard will meet the driver at the gate, sign them in, and direct them to the dock. The security guard will notify NVSL personnel to meet the driver at the dock and sign for the package.
Bookmark these other resources

If you have any additional questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the NVSL Avian Section.

Article submitted by Mia Torchetti DVM, MS, PhD , Avian Section Head,  Diagnostic Virology Laboratory USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
Getting to know US: Celeste Philibert
Celeste Philibert became a Program Assistant for NAHLN Program Office in March 2016. After 15 years in the Postal Service, Celeste began her APHIS federal career as a Biological Science Technician (Micro) with the NVSL Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on Plum Island, New York, from 2001 to 2002. Transitioning to the private sector, Celeste worked in the area of clinical trial data management for contract research organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2009, she rejoined NVSL in the Avian Section of the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory as a Biological Science Technician (Micro) in Ames, IA. In March, 2016, Celeste transferred to the NAHLN Program Office as a Program Assistant.
 
In 1999, Celeste received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Business Management from Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire. Celeste has recently been accepted into the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine.
 
Do you have any hobbies that you’d like to share?
“I volunteer in Prison Ministry for the State of Iowa at a Medium Security Prison facility and for my Church at the local County Jail. I enjoy reading, baking and listening to music. I am trying to get acquainted with my new sewing machine – not sure where that is going to go. I would like to start working with a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome advocacy group to help facilitate the understanding of this disorder/disease. I have recently been accepted into an online M.Div. Program which will keep me both busy and uplifted for the next seven years or so.”
 
What family information would you like to share?
“ I grew up in the small city of Meriden, Connecticut, with my two older siblings whom I greatly admire – not only for what they have accomplished in their lives, but how they’ve overcome challenges. My sister and her husband reside in New Hampshire and my brother and his children and grandchildren reside in Florida. I enjoy visiting them when I am able and Skyping with them when they are able. No animals at this time – instead I enjoy other people’s pet companions.”

Article submitted by Traci Imlau, Program Assistant, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
With Great Partnerships Come Great Responsibilities…
Part 1 of 5
NAHLN laboratories may be involved in surveillance for early detection of foreign animal disease, surge testing during an outbreak, and testing samples during the outbreak recovery phase. As such, there must be a high degree of confidence in the quality of the laboratories and associated test results. The potential consequences of a foreign animal disease outbreak could be catastrophic! Therefore, it is important that the needs and expectations of the NAHLN to meet the challenge be defined and agreed to by all participating parties.

The Agreement for Participation in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is a document that is completed annually by all laboratories requesting or renewing NAHLN approval. The purpose of this document is to serve as a transparent agreement which describes, communicates, and ensures commitment by the relevant State and Federal parties to the expectations for membership of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the NAHLN. This document must be signed by the following personnel:
  • Laboratory Director
  • Responsible Official (RO - in Select Agent registered laboratories) or Biosafety Officer
  • Dean of College (if appropriate)
  • State Animal Health Official (SAHO)
  • APHIS-Veterinary Services (VS) District Director (DD) or Assistant District Director (AD)
  • State Department of Agriculture Director, Agriculture Commissioner, or equivalent
 
There are a total of 21 standards that must be understood and agreed to by each participating laboratory and stakeholders, which cover such topics as disease approval requests, quality management, testing requirements, sample handling, communication and reporting, and support of the NAHLN mission. While some of the standards are the same of all labs, there are some standards that are worded specifically for the responsibilities at the different levels of participation (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Affiliate).

While this important document is generally handled at the executive levels of management, it is important for all laboratory personnel to have an understanding of what is required in the agreement and how it may apply to them. This 5-part series is meant to examine the standards that are listed in the agreement and why they are important for NAHLN participation. Part 1 will discuss Standards 1 through 4 regarding disease approval requests and quality management. Links are available to direct you to the specific standard for each of the different levels of participation.

Standard 1: Approval requests ( Link – L1 ) ( Link – L2, L3, & Affiliate )
This standard identifies the disease programs available for NAHLN laboratories to request participation. All approval requests are reviewed by the NAHLN Program Office in consultation with representatives from Veterinary Services National Animal Health Program and Policy Staff and National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Different NAHLN laboratory designations have different levels of responsibility:

Level 1 labs must possess the necessary equipment, have trained personnel, participate in associated proficiency testing programs, and maintain capacity to provide surge testing during an outbreak.

Level 2/3/Affiliate labs must possess the necessary equipment, have trained personnel, and participate in associated proficiency testing programs.

This is important to ensure that there is sufficient testing capacity within the network for each of the disease programs. Participation in annual proficiency test programs ensures that analysts are competent to perform the assays, which increases the confidence in the test results being produced.

Standard 2: Quality Management Systems ( Link – L1 ) ( Link – L2 ) ( Link – L3 ) ( Link – Affiliate )
This standard requires that all NAHLN laboratories have a documented and implemented quality system consistent with ISO 17025. Different NAHLN laboratory designations have different levels of responsibility:
  • Level 1 labs must be fully accredited.
  • Level 2 labs must be fully or provisionally accredited.
  • Level 3 and Affiliate labs must either be accredited or participate in site visits from the NAHLN Program Office.

This is important to ensure standardization of assay performance within the NAHLN labs and increases the confidence that a test conducted in one lab would have the same outcome in another lab. Documented deviations are important as they can account for possible variability, and it provides the NAHLN Program Office and the NVSL Reference Laboratories with information on how the procedures are being used in the NAHLN labs and identify if changes need to be incorporated in the procedures for all laboratories to conduct assays consistently.

Standard 3: Quality Management – SOPs ( Link – All )
This standard requires that NAHLN laboratories use the most current version of the protocols provided to conduct diagnostic testing. If a laboratory needs to deviate from a procedure for any reason, a deviation request must be submitted to the NAHLN Program Office.

This is important to ensure standardization of assay performance within the NAHLN labs and increases the confidence that a test conducted in one lab would have the same outcome in another lab. Documented deviations are important as they can account for possible variability, and it provides the NAHLN Program Office and the NVSL Reference Laboratories with information on how the procedures are being used in the NAHLN labs and identify if changes need to be incorporated in the procedures for all laboratories to conduct assays consistently .

Standard 4: Quality Management – Distribution of materials ( Link – All )
This standard restricts the distribution and use of materials outside of the receiving NAHLN laboratories, and that materials are used for diagnostic testing purposes only.

This is important to ensure that only approved laboratories and personnel are conducting program testing, and that only work that the NAHLN provides funding for is being conducted.  Deviations from this standard can be requested and handled on a case by case basis.

Article submitted by Kelly Burkhart, Microbiologist, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
NAHLN Lab Director Feature:
Rachel Reams
Director, Michigan State University (MSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL)


Academic/Laboratory Background
Dr. Reams is “a boilermaker through and through”. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology, DVM degree, and her MS and PhD degrees in Pathology from Purdue University. She is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
 
Dr. Reams has over 30 years of experience in leading veterinary, pathology, and laboratory teams in government, academic, industry and private business settings. She served as the Director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory with the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, working as both an area Veterinary Medical Officer providing field necropsy and other veterinary services, as well as providing oversight of all the microbiology, hematology, and serology results generated at the laboratory. Dr. Reams was an Assistant Professor of Pathology and the Head of the Laboratory of Large Animal Pathology and Toxicology at the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania, where in addition to teaching and service duties (e.g., necropsy, biopsy, and cytology submissions), she was responsible for laboratory results including coordinating activities of the laboratory as part of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) system. In addition to these diagnostic and academic roles, Dr. Reams has 17 years of industry experience working at Eli Lilly and Company and Covance Research Laboratories. In industry she worked as both a toxicologic/discovery pathologist as well as a Head (Lilly) and Director of Pathology (Covance), and was responsible for delivery of quality pathology assessments and risk assessments provided by the Pathologists, Clinical Pathology, Flow Cytometry and Histopathology Laboratories. In addition to these pathology roles, as Director of the Biomarker Center of Excellence, and Molecular & Anatomical Imaging at Covance, she had the opportunity to lead scientific teams that leveraged CT scanning, MRI and optical scanning tools (e.g. luminescence), in addition to development and use of biologic fluid based biomarkers to evaluate for drug safety and/or efficacy.
 
What brought you to the NAHLN laboratory?
“My interest in veterinary diagnostic medicine stems from working as a high school student with an Indiana practitioner who focused on herd health. This practice exposed me to necropsy, laboratory techniques and the importance of talking with the client to deliver the best solution possible. I saw the opportunity to work at the MSU VDL as a chance to work with quality faculty and staff who impact animal health every day through the services and knowledge they provide to practitioners and the public.”
 
How long have you been Director?
“I have been Director of the MSU VDL for almost 2 years.”
 
Why is NAHLN important to you?
“The NAHLN is important to me because infectious agents don’t recognize borders. I believe having a network of State laboratories that partner with the USDA laboratories to rapidly identify and communicate potential disease threats is critical to the protection of livestock in the USA, and by extension, the human food chain. The NAHLN helps ensure development and use of robust validated assays and support for laboratory operations and training of personnel that increase our ability to respond effectively to a large-scale animal disease outbreak.”
 
Is there anything unique in your career that you’d like to share?
“Probably the most unique experience I had as a pathologist was the opportunity, with other veterinary pathologists from Lilly, to examine some dinosaur specimens in support of a collaboration of the Black Hills Institute and the Indianapolis Children’s museum. It was an amazing opportunity to examine and handle specimens from animals that lived millions of years ago, particularly those from a Gorgosaurus that had evidence of traumatic injuries, and a potential neoplasm.”
 
Do you have any hobbies that you’d like to share?
“I enjoy working and training with my dogs in canine agility and nose work.”
 
Welcome to the NAHLN, Dr. Rachel Reams!

Article submitted by Traci Imlau, Program Assistant, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.  Photo provided by Dr. Yugendar “Reddy” Bommineni.
Round up:
On July 11 - 14, 2017, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), along with AAVLD, hosted a Quality Management System Training course. Thirty-four laboratories including state university throughout the country were represented with 63 participants attending. The following participant quotes are from the course evaluation:
  • “The hands-on mock audit experience was excellent, the instructors were knowledgeable, and presentations were engaging.”
  • “I really like the variety of presentations and the pop quiz questions with clickers; keeps you on your toes and adds some competition with comprehensions!”
  • “I learned a lot, I loved the mock audit and presentations. I had limited audit and quality training, and I like that I didn't feel confused through presentations.”
NAHLN Facts

The following link show a map and laboratory list of laboratories that have been approved as part of the  NAHLN Testing Network .
Acronym Key