NAHSS Activity Update, February 2006
Animal Health Surveillance Inventory
This data-driven Web application provides a high-level, searchable inventory of surveillance programs and studies related to U.S. animal health. The database is intended to provide NSU and others involved in animal health surveillance activities with an overview of current surveillance systems, and to be a tool for animal health surveillance assessment and planning. The inventory development team has built a Web-based interface for the inventory that is currently being beta-tested with several VS-contributing groups.
Evaluation of Scrapie Surveillance
An interdisciplinary working group has completed the first surveillance evaluation pilot test. This evaluation focused on VS' scrapie surveillance activities, and consisted of a review of information about the surveillance system to assess how well the system fulfills its stated objectives and meets accepted surveillance standards. Systematic evaluation helps identify potential methods for integrating individualized systems into the National Animal Health Surveillance System. Additional evaluations of VS surveillance systems are planned.
Classical Swine Fever Surveillance Implementation
The enhanced Classical Swine Fever (CSF) surveillance program is under way. Sampling at diagnostic laboratories and of feral swine has been implemented. Slaughter surveillance will follow soon. Procedures manuals have been distributed to all participating National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratories and State AVICs, and webcasts have been held to acquaint staff and cooperators with the program. CSF database development work is near completion by the Center for Animal Disease Information and Analysis (CADIA) targeted for March 1. The enhanced CSF Surveillance Plan is a truly collaborative effort of the NAHSS. The plan was developed by a team coordinated by the National Surveillance Unit; it depends upon the use of a real time PCR assay for CSF viral antigen, which was developed and validated collaboratively by Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and APHIS. Implementation of the plan was made possible by development and funding of the NAHLN for laboratory testing and through cooperative agreements and field activities, coordinated by the National Center for Animal Health Programs (NCAHP) and Wildlife Service (WS) staffs.
NAHSS Steering Committee Meeting
The NAHSS Steering Committee met face-to-face in Riverdale, MD, February 7 and 8, 2006. The steering committee discussed recent and future NAHSS activities. Surveillance perspectives were presented by various committee members-including State and wildlife surveillance initiatives and needs. Current surveillance priorities were discussed in depth and established by the committee.