Veterinary diagnostic laboratories and their support role for Veterinary Services

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Diagnostic Laboratory Science
• Animal Disease Surveillance

Background:

• National Veterinary Services implement regulatory programs including foreign animal disease (FAD) surveillance and disease-free region certification.
• Laboratory testing is crucial for effective surveillance, control programs, and disease eradication efforts.
• Both national and state veterinary laboratories play vital roles in disease diagnosis, surveillance, and export certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of laboratory testing in national veterinary services.
• To emphasize the importance of quality assurance programs in veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
• To underscore the reliance of Veterinary Services on laboratory expertise for FAD response and disease surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Review of the functions of national and state veterinary laboratories.
• Analysis of the components of regulatory programs administered by Veterinary Services.
• Examination of the development of quality assurance programs in diagnostic laboratories.

Main Results:

• Laboratory testing is integral to FAD surveillance, exclusion, and certification of disease freedom.
• Veterinary diagnostic laboratories provide essential support for national disease control and eradication.
• Quality assurance programs are increasingly being developed to ensure the reliability of laboratory testing results.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary Services depend on the diagnostic capabilities of national and state laboratories.
• Laboratory expertise is fundamental for responding to FAD introductions and maintaining disease surveillance.
• Reliable laboratory testing is essential for certifying regions as free from disease.