procinorte animal health task force · 2017. 11. 16. · programa cooperativo en investigación y...
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Report of Activities April 2014-February 2015
Eileen Thacker, DVM, PhD, DACVM
National Program Leader, Food Safety and Animal Health
USDA, ARS
Cooperative Program in Agricultural Research and Technology for the Northern Region Programa Cooperativo en Investigación y Tecnología Agrícola para la Región Norte
PROCINORTE Animal Health Task Force
Background
• The concept of the PROCINORTE Animal Health Task Force was introduced on December 20, 2006, as a result of a meeting of representatives of Canada, Mexico and the United States held in Washington, DC, to identify research priorities and to outline a framework for advancing animal health research that would benefit North America
• Due to the impact of animal disease on trade, agriculture and public health, representatives from the three countries unanimously agreed to this collaboration
Potential Mutual Benefits
• Strategic research for the advancement of animal health in North America
• Development of new technologies
• Strengthening of technological information
exchange
• Harmonization of diagnostic tests in animal health laboratories to promote increased confidence in test results
• Scientific solutions to common problems and challenges in animal health
Vision
To be a network of experts that enhances the research collaboration, diagnostic
harmonization and technology transfer in animal health between Canada, the United
States and Mexico
Mission
To develop and promote research and knowledge in prioritized areas of animal health of common interest for Canada,
Mexico and the US
Challenges and Opportunities
The PAHTF has the challenge of facing one of the major threats to tri-lateral trade and public health: animal diseases and outbreaks in North America The Task Force includes not only researchers but regulatory authorities also. Working together ensures a more efficient approach to dealing with serious animal diseases.
Activities (2010-2011)
• Since 2010, the PAHTF has held at least one workshop each year on timely priority areas:
• October 13-14, 2010 – Influenza H1N1 –
Ames, IA • Dec 6-9, 2011 – "Wet" Workshop on Influenza
'A' Virus Molecular Diagnostic Techniques – Winnipeg, MB
• Nov 2012 – Two Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Workshops – Lethbridge, AB
• Nov 5-9 • Nov 26-30
• Participants:
• Mexico 4 • US 3 • Canada 9
Recent Activities (2012-2013)
Activities (2012-2013)
• Nov 27-28, 2012 – Experts Workshop on H7N3 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus – Athens, GA
• Investigation, identification and
development of research proposals related to the H7N3 avian influenza outbreak in Mexico
Activities (2013-2014)
• Sep 10-11, 2013 – Bovine Tuberculosis – Ames, IA • Aug 5-6, 2014-Bovine Tuberculosis-Ames, IA
• Epidemiology • Current status and recent developments
• Diagnostics • Current testing strategies, gaps, and new
testing algorithms • Molecular epidemiology:
• Current techniques • Whole genome sequencing and the future of
molecular epidemiology for tuberculosis control programs
• Spoligotyping • Research updates
Activities Action Items from Bovine Tuberculosis
Workshop (2013)
1. Work collaboratively on scenario tree model 2. The US to share sampling protocol for affected
herds to evaluate new diagnostic tests 3. Develop criteria for wildlife surveillance in
proximity to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affected herds
4. Antemortem bTB testing a. Support the US bTB serum bank b. Interferon gamma testing in bison (approved
in Canada, but not in US or Mexico) c. Address issues with bTB skin testing d. Tuberculin International Standard – It will
expire in 2 years – Develop new one
Activities
Action Items from Bovine Tuberculosis Workshop (2013) - cont'd
5. Postmortem bTB testing
a. Whole genome sequencing to understand transmission and strain diversity
b. Spoligotyping: Standardize, harmonize & combine isolate databases
c. Real time PCR on paraffin-embedded tissue: Collaborative research
d. Sample quality from slaughter surveillance in immature cattle (< 2 yrs.-old)
Activities Action Items from Bovine Tuberculosis
Workshop (2014)
1. Identified urgent need for production of new tuberculin standard due to dwindling supply
2. Identification of a research project to compare whole genome sequencing bovine and avian tuberculins
3. Sharing /implementation of a USDA-NVSL bioinformatics algoritim in Canada and Mexico for WGS to harmonize epidemiological investigations
4. Co-meeting with PROCINORTE and NAAHLN groups
5. Research to determine reason for geographic variations in serological accuracy
Activities-Proposed
2015 “Rapid and Efficient Response to High Consequence Animal
Diseases”
Proposed Activities A wider scope subject matter
1. Participation by scientists from laboratories with a
wide range of expertise 2. Discuss actions from recent high consequence
animals diseases • Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) • Porcine corona viruses • Highly pathogenic avian influenza • BSE • TB • Others
3. Develop tri-lateral strategies for coordinating and collaborating diagnostics and research
4. Perhaps hold the workshop in Mexico
Acknowledgements
The Animal Health Task Force acknowledges the support given by the
PROCINORTE Board of Directors and the enthusiastic participation of members and
participants from our three countries.
The logistical support of Priscila Henriquez and Hortensia Mathó is greatly
appreciated