Equine Infectious Anemia

Equine Viral Arteritis

National Animal Health Reporting System Provides Data for Confirmed Diseases

Feedlot Monitoring Data Show VS What is Happening in Animal Health

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza

West Nile Virus

Chronic Wasting Disease

Modernization of Ames

National Animal Identification System

Bovine Tuberculosis

BSE Surveillance

Foreign Animal Disease Investigations

Trichinea Certification Program

Pseudorabies

Assessing Brucellosis in the Tristate Area: Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho

Bluetongue Survey

Confiscation of Belgian Sheep in Vermont

Scrapie Eradication Program

Johnes Program

National Veterinary Services Laboratories Domestic Detection and Surveillance Testing

Modernization Plan for APHIS-ARS Animal Health Facilities in Ames, Iowa

Issues related to animal health have changed dramatically since the current laboratory facilities in Ames, IA, were constructed decades ago. These changes impact the ability of the current facilities to meet their USDA mission. The modernization plan underway will replace outdated and inefficient facilities currently used by NVSL, Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), and the ARS’ National Animal Disease Center (NADC) and will consolidate all three operations. The plan will bring together the country’s national reference diagnostic laboratory, the national regulatory body for all animal vaccines and diagnostic test kits prepared or marketed in the United States, and the main USDA research site for the study of most important domestic animal diseases.

The new facilities will better meet urgent national needs for diagnosis, product evaluation, and research related to animal health.

Modern facilities are needed because:

• Demand for services has increased.
• Significant new animal diseases around the world threaten the U.S. livestock industry and public health.
• The risk of a bioterrorism attack increased after the events of September 11, 2001.
• Concerns related to food safety have increased, and intensive research is needed on agents such as Salmonella and E. coli.
• New international standards for biocontainment, animal handling, health, safety, and quality assurance are being developed.

The current estimate for planning, design, and construction under the accelerated plan is $430 million. Funding has been received for the initial stages of the project. Using $75 million received in FY 2002, USDA will begin construction of the high containment large animal facilities, associated infrastructure, and a portion of the miscellaneous support structures in FY 2003.

The $14 million received by APHIS in the FY 2002 Homeland Security Supplemental Portion of the Defense Appropriation Bill will be used to construct priority laboratory space and allowing laboratory facilities in currently leased space to be moved onto USDA property. These funds are in addition to the $430 million modernization effort.

Subject to appropriations, construction will begin on the low containment large animal facilities, consolidated laboratory buildings, administrative and regulatory office space, remaining support structures and the balance of the infrastructure in FY 2004 and is expected to be completed in FY 2006.