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