Veterinary surveillance laboratories: developing the training program

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Food Safety
• Public Health

Background:

• Increased demand for rapid, portable food and water testing for microbiological and chemical agents.
• Need for enhanced food safety, defense, and risk assessment capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To deploy laboratory veterinary equipment sets and establish a Surveillance Food Laboratory Program (SFLP).
• To develop functional courses supporting the equipment deployment and SFLP operations.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of two laboratory veterinary equipment sets.
• Development and implementation of the Surveillance Food Laboratory Technician Course and the Surveillance Food Laboratory Manager Course.
• Training focused on sample processing, assay methodologies, results interpretation, oversight, and risk communication.

Main Results:

• Successful deployment of unique veterinary equipment sets.
• Establishment of fully operational surveillance laboratories in major theaters of operation.
• Enhanced capabilities for food protection missions.

Conclusions:

• The developed training courses and equipment facilitate operational surveillance laboratories.
• These laboratories significantly improve food safety and response to food-related threats.