Report of ActivitiesAugust 2012-March 2014

Cooperative Program in Agricultural Research and Technology for the Northern RegionPrograma Cooperativo en Investigación y Tecnología Agrícola para la Región Norte

PROCINORTEAnimal Health Task Force

BackgroundBackground

• 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 BenefitsPotential 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

VisionVision

To be the network of experts that enhances the research collaboration, diagnostic

harmonization and technology transfer in animal health between Canada, the United

States and Mexico

MissionMission

To develop and promote research and knowledge in prioritized areas of animal health of common interest for Canada,

Mexico and the US

Potential Mutual BenefitsPotential 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

Challenges and OpportunitiesChallenges 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)

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

• Identification of gaps in:

• H1N1 Influenza Virus Research• Diagnostic Harmonization for H1N1

Influenza• Other animal Influenzas

• Dec 6-9, 2011 – "Wet" Workshop on Influenza 'A' Virus Molecular Diagnostic Techniques – Winnipeg, MB

• Sharing of experiences, information and hands-on approaches used in the molecular diagnosis and characterization of influenza A virus infections

• Identification of best practices used in the molecular diagnosis of influenza 'A' virus infections with the focus on sequencing

• Discussion of methods used in virus isolation and characterization

• Identification and discussion on ways to harmonize influenza 'A' virus molecular diagnostic methods, with an emphasis on sequencing, in our three countries

Activities(2010-2011)

Activities(2010-2011)

• 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)

Recent Activities(2012-2013)

ActivitiesActivities

• Objectives:

• To provide practical training on manual immunohistochemistry procedures used in the Canadian/OIE BSE Reference Laboratory

• To discuss troubleshooting and antibody optimization procedures

• To review histopathology and immunohistochemical staining techniques for classical and atypical BSE

ActivitiesActivities

• 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

ActivitiesActivities

• Sep 10-11, 2013 – Bovine Tuberculosis – Ames, AI

• 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

ActivitiesActivities

Action Items from Bovine Tuberculosis Workshop (2013)

1. Work collaboratively on scenario tree model2. The US to share sampling protocol for affected

herds to evaluate new diagnostic tests3. Develop criteria for wildlife surveillance in

proximity to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affected herds

4. Antemortem bTB testinga. Support the US bTB serum bankb. Interferon gamma testing in bison (approved

in Canada, but not in US or Mexico)c. Address issues with bTB skin testingd. Tuberculin International Standard – It will

expire in 2 years – Develop new one

ActivitiesActivities

Action Items from Bovine Tuberculosis Workshop (2013) - cont'd

5. Postmortem bTB testinga. Whole genome sequencing to understand

transmission and strain diversityb. Spoligotyping: Standardize, harmonize &

combine isolate databasesc. Real time PCR on paraffin-embedded tissue:

Collaborative researchd. Sample quality from slaughter surveillance in

immature cattle (< 2 yrs.-old)

ActivitiesActivities

2014

Follow-Up2nd Bovine Tuberculosis

Workshop

Ames, IA

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

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