FDA Vet-LIRN Capacity-Building of Ohio ADDL to support rapid testing for COVID-19

This proposal from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is in response to Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) PAR-18-604 from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN). This proposal from ODA's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) addresses the following key project area: 1. Purchase of equipment to build testing capacity of SARS-CoV-2. a. We are requesting funds to support the purchase of a real-time PCR platform budge for SARS-CoV-2 testing of diagnostic samples submitted to the Ohio ADDL. Additionally, participation in additional projects such as method development and/or method validation/improvement and matrix extension work as determined by the VPO may be included in the capacity-building funds. This proposal will increase the capacity of our laboratory to conduct SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing for high-throughput sample processing capability and data analysis by maintaining redundancy in testing equipment to reduce any delays in testing due to equipment malfunctions or needed repairs.