Acquisition of Quant Studio 5 as replacement of aging thermocycler for diagnostic testing

Project Abstract The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) has participated in sample analysis for the FDA Vet-LIRN, either for surveillance, during an animal food/drug emergency outbreak or during a large-scale animal food/drug emergency event for surge capacity. During the past years, we have implemented culture for Salmonella from dog feed and feces, culture of Listeria from animal feed, culture and direct Campylobacter jejuni PCR from dog feces. We had also investigated in E. coli carbapenem-resistant gene PCR assay. Additionally, we have participated in several investigations with Vet-LIRN or our human health partners including necropsy of a cat infected with SARS-CoV-2 and C. jejuni isolation from a dog consuming a raw meat diet. We have been very active in supporting SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing of exposed animals from positive households with real-time PCR as an integral part of these testing efforts. The WVDL continue to develop and validate new PCR assays to meet testing need for both large and small animals. For companion animals testing, we worked very closely with the UW shelter medicine program in responding to various disease outbreak in shelters across the country. The specific request for this proposal is to replace an aging ABI 7500 Fast thermocycler with a newer model of Quant Studio 5 to aid WVDL in maintaining our capacity in molecular testing and critical response to animal food/drug emergency or disease outbreak. As a Vet-LIRN laboratory, we are always stand ready to response to these emergency testing needs.