Columns:: Diagnostic labs will receive $2 million to take part in homeland defense network

since 12/15/98

Columns::August 19, 2002

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Campus News

Diagnostic labs will receive $2 million to take part in homeland defense network

By Dot Sparer
dsparer@vet.uga.edu

The Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories have been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be included in a comprehensive national network of laboratories for the rapid detection and diagnosis of foreign animal diseases.
The labs, which are units of the College of Veterinary Medicine, will receive $2 million to enhance their ability to respond quickly if foreign animal diseases are introduced into this country intentionally or accidentally.
“States and local communities, along with academia and the private sector, are critical partners in making sure we are prepared in the event of an emergency,” says U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman.
The network of strategically located laboratories is designed to strengthen agricultural homeland protection by permitting rapid and accurate diagnosis of animal disease threats.
“The USDA is to be commended for taking this strategic step toward assuring all citizens that measures are being taken to ensure the safety of their food supply and the viability of the economy,” says Keith W. Prasse, dean of the veterinary college.
The laboratories, based in Athens and Tifton, were chosen by the USDA as the southeastern hub of the national network.
“We’re delighted to have been chosen and look forward to being part of the response team,” Prasse says. “Being selected as one of five laboratory systems in the country to assume this responsibility reflects well on the laboratories, the college and the university.”
“Lessons learned from last year’s animal disease crises in Great Britain have taught us that federal resources could be overwhelmed if this country experienced an outbreak of a foreign infectious disease,” says Edward A. Mahaffey, associate dean for public service and outreach at the college. “The network could provide rapid diagnosis and rapid communication among those who need to know and become a major determinant of success in stopping an outbreak before it becomes widespread.”
More details about the network and Georgia’s part in it will be available after Oct. 1--the deadline for each hub laboratory to submit a plan to USDA indicating how the grants will be used to build the network.

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