The NAHLN Update 2018
Volume 9, No. 2
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK (NAHLN)
A STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP TO SAFEGUARD ANIMAL HEALTH
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Founding Principles and Features of the NAHLN
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- 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
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In This Issue:
New Briefs
Messaging Competency Events Available for NAHLN Laboratories
Getting to know us: Jenn Rodriguez
Messaging is a priority for NAHLN
NAHLN Laboratory Director Feature:
Dr. Mark R. Ackermann
With Great Partnerships Come Great Responsibilities - Part 4
Round up
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NEWS BRIEFS
:
June 15,– 11:00 – 12:00 PM CST
NAHLN Exercises and Drills Working Group call
June 18, 1:00 – 2:00 PM CST
NAHLN Coordinating Council call
June 19-20, (all day)
NAHLN Methods Technical working group face to face meeting
June 26, 10:00 – 11:00 AM CST
AMR pilot project call
June 28, 1:00 – 2:30 PM CST
NAHLN Director’s Quarterly call
July 11, 10:00 – 11:00 AM CST
NAHLN Methods Technical Working group call
July 16, 1:00 – 2:00 PM CST
NAHLN Coordinating Council call
July 20, 11:00 – 12:00 PM CST
NAHLN Exercises and Drills Working Group
July 24, 10:00 – 11:00 PM CST
AMR pilot project call
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Current Number of Subscribers:
1616
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Quality Management Systems Training
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Registration for NAHLN/AAVLD Quality Management Systems (QMS) training course closes Friday, June 15, 2018. The QMS training course runs August 7-10, 2018 at the National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa. Space is limited.
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Messaging Competency Events Available for NAHLN Laboratories
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The NAHLN Program Office is pleased to announce the newly established messaging competency events for NAHLN laboratories. These events will allow laboratories to confirm their ability to electronically message test results to our VS databases to ensure that critical data is transmitted efficiently and accurately to monitor animal disease surveillance and outbreak purposes.
The impetus for developing these competency events was twofold:
- Increased emphasis on electronic messaging of test results by NAHLN laboratories over the last 2 years
- Concern from laboratories without active surveillance streams to confirm their messages continue to meet messaging requirements identified in the disease specific Messaging Guides.
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Additional, the ability to message data for one disease doesn’t equate the ability to do so for another disease as there are differences in the required data reported for each disease. To address these concerns, the NAHLN Program Office developed a series of messaging competency events, offered through the APHIS Laboratory Portal, which allow laboratories to continue to confirm their ability to send test results to APHIS-Veterinary Services (VS). Competency events are scheduled twice a year for all diseases that can be messaged to VS, with avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease competencies being offered quarterly. Table 1 outlines the schedule of competency events, and the approximate timeframe that they will be offered.
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NAHLN laboratories are asked to participate each year for each disease for which they have approval to message in order to receive credit. However laboratories are welcome to participate more often for each disease as they desire.
It is important that laboratory personnel understand these competency events will not vest initial approval of a laboratory’s messaging capability. The laboratory must be approved to message for a specific disease prior to invitation to participate in the event. For details on how to start the initial process for message approval, laboratories may email the NAHLN IT inbox (
NAHLN.IT@aphis.usda.gov
).
Both those laboratories who are currently receiving samples and sending data to the VS LMS “production” site for a particular disease (e.g., actively messaging)
and
those laboratories who have received approval to message for that disease but do not receive samples for testing, are invited to participate in these competencies. Figure 1 below describes the general process for how these events are handled. For laboratories that are actively messaging as described above, the message in “production” (identified upon registration) will be reviewed as part of the competency. Actively messaging laboratories are NOT required to send a message to the “test” environment.
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These messaging competency events were launched in March 2018, and included six laboratories that participated in the pseudorabies (PRV) competency event. In April, registration for the avian influenza messaging competency was sent; currently there are 33 participating laboratories for this event. The May foot-and-mouth disease competency is also underway; registration for this event closed on Friday, May 18.
To better support the increased demand for reviewing messaged data for these events, several members of the NAHLN Program Office will manage it going forward. (Cindy Chard-Bergstrom, Chris Dalthorp, Beth Harris, Traci Imlau, Celeste Philibert, and Jenn Rodriguez) We appreciate your patience as we launch this new endeavor and continue to increase our team’s understanding of HL7 messaging. This team also launched this initiative–many thanks to them for their dedication and willingness to take these competency events from concept to reality.
The LMS team (Mike Martin – Clemson University; Todd Bleifuss, Leah Estberg, Stacy Gardner, Terry Matson, – CEAH; and Cindy Chard-Bergstrom-NAHLN Program Office) continue to support the laboratory messaging efforts. Thanks also are extended to this hard-working team‘s success supporting the electronic messaging system. They have been the backbone to VS messaging.
Many thanks also to the NAHLN laboratory personnel who provided valuable and specific feedback to the Program Office assisting us with development. They have been enthusiastic supporters of our messaging competency events. We’re excited with the success of our messaging competency events which bring us another step closer to reaching the goals to standardize data; improve data quality, and increase the speed of reporting laboratory results across the network. As always, feel free to contact us with questions or comments regarding this or other aspects of the NAHLN by emailing us at
NAHLN@aphis.usda.gov.
Article submitted by Beth Harris, Associate Coordinator, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA and Cindy Chard-Bergstrom, Microbiologist, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
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Getting to know US:
Jennifer "Jenn" Rodriguez
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Jennifer "Jenn" Rodriguez
Management and Program Analyst,
National Animal Health Laboratory Network
Jennifer Rodriguez (“Jenn”) received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hillsdale College in Michigan with a dual major in German and European Studies. “Jenn” completed a Master of Arts in European and Eurasian Studies at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Before joining the federal civilian workforce, Jenn served for 6 years in the Air Force as a Russian Linguist. Upon leaving the military, she switched over to working as a civilian for the federal government–most of her positions were in the Department of Defense where she took on various administrative and training roles. Most recently, Jenn was a Staff Specialist for USDA’s Science, Technology, and Analysis Services’ Associate Deputy Administrator, Dr. Elizabeth Lautner.
Jenn’s NAHLN responsibilities include work on the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pilot project – assisting in organizing meetings/webinars, ensuring that laboratories have the necessary information and tools for the project, tracking and validating AST test data, etc. Jenn is also involved in the messaging competency events described in this newsletter.
Before working at your current position, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had?
“Working as a Student Affairs Specialist for the George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany. I had the pleasure of working with people from all across the globe, using both my German and Russian skills (or lack thereof) on a daily basis and learning/interacting with almost every office on campus to make sure the students were taken care of and the courses ran smoothly. Bonus - we were located in a gorgeous, tourist town in the Alps.”
Are there any random facts about yourself that you could share with us? …hobbies you’d like to share with us?
“In high school, I was an exchange student in Australia. Then in college I spent a year in Vienna, Austria. I’m pretty passionate about quilting. I get kind of cranky if I don’t have some sewing time on the weekends. I’ve had a few quilt patterns published in magazines. I also enjoy reading detective novels and swimming.”
Jenn’s husband - Luis - recently retired from the Army after 27 years of service. They have two sons, Alex and Teo, who are in elementary school. Two black cats, Flacca and Gordita, are also members of the family.
Oh behalf of the NAHLN Program Staff, thank you Jenn for all you do!
Article submitted by Traci Imlau, Program Assistant, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
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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 Laboratory Director Feature
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Dr. Mark R. Ackermann
Director, Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Dr. Mark Ackermann began his academic career at Clinton Community College in Clinton, Iowa and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He received his doctor of veterinary medicine and a doctorate of philosophy in Veterinary Pathology from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
In 1986, Dr. Ackermann began his career as a Veterinary Medical Officer at the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS) within the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa. He joined the staff of Iowa State University (ISU) in 1996 as an Assistant, then Associate, to Full Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Thereafter, Dr. Ackermann left the great state of Iowa to become the Director of the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in 2017.
Dr. Ackermann’s research at the NADC and ISS focused mostly on respiratory diseases (Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the last 15 years but including Colisepticemia in turkeys, atrophic rhinitis, shipping fever in cattle; also Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (BLAD); and gastrointestinal disease (inflammatory bowel disease and
E. coli
). USDA, NIH funding and now pharmaceutical funding for RSV research in lambs.
Dr. Ackermann is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, having worked with ISU’s Department of Veterinary Pathology and Oregon State University (present), and consultant pathologist for NOBL laboratories INC., Pal Path, Antech, and Texas A&M University’s gastrointestinal laboratory.
Dr. Ackermann has served as the JG Salsbury Endowed Chair (twice); Acting Chair, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, ISU; Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, ISU; Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies ISU. He has also served as the American College of Veterinary Pathologist Secretary/Treasurer.
Why is NAHLN important to you?
“The connectivity in communication, in reporting, and between the laboratories and USDA.
Before working at your current position, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had?
“(My) Service as Acting Chair of the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department as a pathologist. ISU has a fantastic group of very dedicated clinical specialists and it was a pleasure to work with them.”
Are there any random facts about yourself that you want to share?
“I have 35 years of an advocate, provider and assistant for special needs individuals that stem from my son who has cerebral palsy and is medically fragile. I have experienced life with many, many special needs individuals and their families during that time and am amazed how each special needs person has a way of touching the lives of others.”
Do you have any hobbies that you’d like to share?
“I like running, swimming, biking (triathlons), and German language (not fluent but enjoy it as a hobby).”
Welcome to the NAHLN, Dr. Ackermann!
Article submitted by Traci Imlau, Program Assistant, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
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With Great Partnerships Come Great Responsibilities…
Part 4 of 5
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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 laboratory quality and test results. The consequences of a foreign animal disease outbreak would be catastrophic! To ensure that the NAHLN is able to meet challenges of this magnitude, all parties must agree and participate with one accord.
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 that describes, communicates, and ensures commitment of relevant State and Federal parties to the expectations for membership of a NAHLN veterinary diagnostic laboratory. 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 20 standards, which must
be understood and agreed to by each participating laboratory and stakeholder that cover such topics as disease approval requests, quality management, testing requirements, sample handling, communication and reporting, and support of the NAHLN mission. While some standards are the same for all laboratories, several standards are written to address specific responsibilities at different levels of participation (e.g., Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Affiliate).
While this document is handled at the executive levels of management, it is important for all laboratory personnel to understand what is required in the agreement and how applies to them. This 5-part series explores the standards in agreements and they are necessary for NAHLN participation.
Part 4 herein discusses Standards 14 to 16 regarding Communications and Reporting. Links are available to direct you to the specific standard for each of the different levels of participation.
Standard 14: Reporting timelines and mechanisms
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Link – All
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This standard highlights the fact that NAHLN laboratories perform regulatory testing for a variety of purposes, and it is important for all subsequent test results be reported in a timely manner and using the appropriate mechanisms (e.g., electronic messaging, spreadsheets). If a NAHLN laboratory accepts and tests samples originating from another state, reporting receipt of samples and corresponding test results to the SAHO and the State AD from which the sample originated, and other Federal authorities, is expected, as appropriate.
This is important so that NAHLN laboratory personnel understand the testing and reporting requirements for each regulatory program for which they are approved to participate in, since there may be nuances. Whether during routine surveillance or during an outbreak, if a NAHLN laboratory accepts and tests samples from another state, they are responsible for not only reporting the results to the appropriate regulatory program, but also to the appropriate officials from the state of origin.
This standard requires that all NAHLN laboratories have a
fully functional laboratory information management system (LIMS), which includes the ability to electronically message test results. It is also required that all NAHLN laboratories are either actively messaging their test results using HL7 standards, have developed and demonstrated messaging capability, or be actively working toward meeting this requirement. NAHLN laboratories must also comply with current APHIS-VS security and IT training requirements, or federal equivalents, and must restrict access to samples and test results to those approved personnel
only
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Different NAHLN laboratory designations have different levels of responsibility:
- Level 1 laboratories – Must have a fully functional LIMS and has the capability to electronically transmit test result data to LMS using HL7 standards. Level 1 laboratories agree to provide resources and personnel to the NAHLN for further development of electronic data sharing within the NAHLN, and as requested by APHIS-VS, assist other laboratories in developing and implementing messaging capabilities.
- Level 2 laboratories – Must have a fully functional LIMS and has either demonstrated the capability to electronically transmit test result data to LMS using HL7 standards, is actively developing the capability, or will demonstrate continual progress toward this capability by working with APHIS-VS or messaging experts. Level 2 laboratories also agree, as resources allow, to provide resources and personnel to the NAHLN for further development of electronic data sharing within the NAHLN.
- Level 3/Affiliate laboratories – Must have a fully functional LIMS and has either demonstrated the capability to electronically transmit test result data to LMS using HL7 standards, is actively developing this capability, or will demonstrate continual progress toward the capability to electronically transmit test result data to LMS by working with APHIS-VS or messaging experts.
This is important to ensure accurate, consistent, secure, and timely transmission of test data. In an outbreak situation, decisions regarding quarantines, depopulations, and movement of animals are based heavily on the diagnostic results provided by the laboratories. Having this information in a near real-time and standardized format helps field personnel make informed decisions that could reduce the impact and financial devastation of an outbreak. Electronic messaging has been, and will continue to be, a top priority within APHIS-VS and the NAHLN.
Standard 16: Maintaining Laboratory Information in APHIS Portal
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Link – All
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This standard emphasizes the importance of all NAHLN laboratories to be prepared to respond during an animal disease outbreak. One way to maintain preparedness is to ensure that each NAHLN laboratory regularly updates their laboratory-specific information within the APHIS Laboratory Portal, including contacts, facility, operations, and capacity information. Another way NAHLN laboratories may maintain preparedness is to participate in exercise programs such as drills, tabletop, and/or web-based exercises at intervals requested by the NAHLN Program Office.
This is important because the contact information in the APHIS Portal is used extensively by the NAHLN Program Office to send targeted communications. Ensuring that the portal information is current increases the ability of the NAHLN Program Office to provide necessary communications to the appropriate individuals within each laboratory. The NAHLN Program Office has offered exercises through several different mechanism, including disease-specific table-top exercises, hands-on exercises (barcoding), and time-sensitive exercises (weather drills). Continually exercising our capabilities and communications helps to make us all better prepared!
Article submitted by Kelly Burkhart, Microbiologist, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
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The current number of NAHLN laboratories at each level in 2018 is as follows:
- 15 Level 1 laboratories (6 branch labs)
- 28 Level 2 laboratories (2 branch labs)
- 7 Level 3 laboratories
- 1 affiliate laboratory
- 0 Specialty laboratories
Welcome to the new members of the Coordinating Council:
NAHLN Laboratory Level 1:
- Dr. François Elvinger – Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center
NAHLN Laboratory Level 2
- Dr. Brett Webb – North Dakota State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
NAHLN Laboratory Level 3:
- Dr. Larry Forgey- Missouri Department of Agriculture
State Animal Health Official:
- Dr. Peter Mundschenk – Arizona
Thank you to the members rotating off the Coordinating Council:
AAVLD NAHLN Laboratory Level 1
- Dr. Rodger Main – Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
AAVLD NAHLN Laboratory Level 2:
- Dr. Rick Fredrickson – University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
State Animal Health Official:
- Dr. Paul McGraw - Wisconsin
Article submitted by Traci Imlau, Program Assistant, NAHLN Program Office, USDA APHIS VS STAS NVSL, Ames, IA.
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NAHLN Facts
The following link show a map and laboratory list of laboratories that have been approved as part of the
NAHLN Testing Network
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Abbreviation / Acronym Key
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