National Animal Health Laboratory Network

The US livestock and food sectors, which account for more than $100 billion in annual cash receipts, are under continual threat from outbreaks of foreign and emerging animal diseases. Since 2002, these agricultural assets have been protected in part by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), created through the cooperation of the USDA-APHIS Veterinary Service, NIFA, and State and University animal disease diagnostic laboratories. The NAHLN provides a framework for the coordination of federal and state animal disease diagnostic laboratory infrastructure, capabilities, and capacities. These laboratories:

• provide accessible, timely, accurate, and consistent animal disease laboratory services nationwide;
• provide laboratory data to meet epidemiological and disease reporting needs;
• respond to foreign animal disease outbreaks and other adverse animal health events of significant consequence; and,

• focus on diseases of livestock, but include those of other animals.

For more information on the NAHLN, please contact Dr. Mark Robinson or Dr. Gary Sherman at NIFA, or Ms. Barbara Martin at APHIS-VS.

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