ISU Vet-LIRN Infrastructure Grant Proposal - Project Summary
The proposed work is for a cooperative agreement between the Iowa State University
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL) and the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Vet-
LIRN program to provide support in the following areas:
1) To participate in FDA/Vet-LIRN sanctioned sample analysis for chemical contaminants.
2) To provide analytical data to support potential regulatory use.
3) To participate in additional projects such as small scale methods development, method
validation, and matrix extension for analysis of chemical contaminants.
4) To participate in the Vet-LIRN AMR Monitoring Program as a source laboratory.
These activities are designed to support the FDA in strengthening coordination of veterinary
diagnostic laboratory efforts in enhancing the national food safety system.
The ISU-VDL is a full-service laboratory, fully accredited by the AAVLD, which provides cutting-
edge diagnostic services to the State of Iowa and beyond. The case load at the ISU-VDL is
unique in the nation because it is predominantly food-animal related. Iowa is a major food
animal producing state. The laboratory is not only the first line of defense in the area of food
safety to food animal producers across the country, but is also heavily engaged in protection of
companion animal health. This project will specifically address issues related to chemical
contamination leading to animal illnesses or death. A significant amount of our food animal
products from Iowa are exported overseas to the EU and Asia markets which are sensitive to
food safety. Participation in this cooperative agreement program will not only benefit the FDA,
but the lab and the State of Iowa as well because all aspects of this project add value to our
product, namely, accurate and timely analysis of test results to protect animal and human health
from chemical contaminants.
The ISU-VDL is well-equipped and staffed to positively impact the needs of the FDA as outlined
in the FOA. Specifically, we have the necessary infrastructure to support training, participate in
quality assurance processes and proficiency tests, and share data to support national capacity
development. We will quickly and accurately test diagnostic samples to assist the FDA in case
investigations. As members and long-term participants in the Food Emergency Response
Network (FERN) and also as founding members of Vet-LIRN, we have demonstrated that we
have the infrastructure to report out results accurately and efficiently. The quality of our work
product is overseen by an independent Quality Assurance Unit. In summary, we have the
resources and infrastructure to deliver our work product in a timely manner. We are ready to
collaborate with the FDA on this grant if the application is successful.
