Author
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MAYER, RICHARD |
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Submitted to: United States Animal Health Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 11/8/2005 Publication Date: 1/20/2006 Citation: Mayer, R.T. 2006. An update on the arthropod-borne animal diseases research laboratory (abadrl). United States Animal Health Association Proceedings. Interpretive Summary: The ABADRL is the only laboratory within the USDA mandated to perform research on livestock diseases transmitted by insects. The mission of the laboratory is to develop effective disease diagnostic, control and management strategies than can be transferred to the livestock industry, and regulatory agencies. Currently research involves BTV, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), vesicular stomatitis virus, and West Nile virus. The laboratory is participating in several cooperative projects with industry, universities and state agencies. The ABADRL has also been developing more simplified and sensitive diagnostic tests that are highly adaptable for an immediate response to potential and emerging insect-transmitted disease threats. ABADRL has mounted an effort on vector (C. sonorensis) genomics and has focused on midgut and salivary gland tissues. This data provides the foundation for ongoing vector biology research. In regard to facilities, the ABADRL has had about $1.7 million dollars of security upgrades and renovation improvements. These expenditures have been made to meet BSL-3 certification and select agent regulations. These efforts will result in a smaller facility thatt will allow the ABADRL to pursue its research mandate over the short term. Long term research goals will require new facilities. Two major national reports have recognized the national need for an expanded research effort on insect/arthropod transmitted diseases to prevent and protect the U.S. against naturally or purposely introduced exotic pathogenic agents. Critical infrastructure facilities with adequate biosecurity and capability to work with large animals are needed. As the only federal laboratory mandated to study insect/arthropod transmitted diseases the ABADRL will likely be more involved with research. The current facilities cannot accommodate such expanded programs because of space limitations and the age of the facilities. Technical Abstract: The ABADRL is the only laboratory within the USDA mandated to perform research on livestock diseases transmitted by insects. The mission of the laboratory is to develop effective disease diagnostic, control and management strategies than can be transferred to the livestock industry, and regulatory agencies. Currently research involves BTV, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), vesicular stomatitis virus, and West Nile virus. The laboratory is participating in several cooperative projects with industry, universities and state agencies. The ABADRL has also been developing more simplified and sensitive diagnostic tests that are highly adaptable for an immediate response to potential and emerging insect-transmitted disease threats. ABADRL has mounted an effort on vector (C. sonorensis) genomics and has focused on midgut and salivary gland tissues. This data provides the foundation for ongoing vector biology research. In regard to facilities, the ABADRL has had about $1.7 million dollars of security upgrades and renovation improvements. These expenditures have been made to meet BSL-3 certification and select agent regulations. These efforts will result in a smaller facility thatt will allow the ABADRL to pursue its research mandate over the short term. Long term research goals will require new facilities. Two major national reports have recognized the national need for an expanded research effort on insect/arthropod transmitted diseases to prevent and protect the U.S. against naturally or purposely introduced exotic pathogenic agents. Critical infrastructure facilities with adequate biosecurity and capability to work with large animals are needed. As the only federal laboratory mandated to study insect/arthropod transmitted diseases the ABADRL will likely be more involved with research. The current facilities cannot accommodate such expanded programs because of space limitations and the age of the facilities. |
