The initial confirmation of a foreign animal disease can be done at any certified laboratory that is part of the NAHLN. True or False?

The initial confirmation of a foreign animal disease can be done at any certified laboratory that is part of the NAHLN. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in certain regions
• D. Only with AVIC approval

Answer: (B)

Understanding how foreign animal disease testing is organized helps clarify why this statement isn’t true. NAHLN labs across jurisdictions perform routine diagnostics and initial screening to quickly flag potential problems. But when it comes to confirming a foreign animal disease, official confirmation is handled by the designated national reference laboratory—currently the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) or other APHIS-approved confirmatory labs. These labs have validated confirmatory methods, strict chain-of-custody procedures, and the necessary biosafety and quality controls to produce a legally defensible diagnosis that can drive regulatory actions. So, while screening and preliminary testing may occur at NAHLN labs, the official initial confirmation must be performed by the approved confirmatory laboratory, not by any NAHLN lab. If suspicion remains after screening, the sample is typically referred to the appropriate confirmatory lab for definitive determination.

Understanding how foreign animal disease testing is organized helps clarify why this statement isn’t true. NAHLN labs across jurisdictions perform routine diagnostics and initial screening to quickly flag potential problems. But when it comes to confirming a foreign animal disease, official confirmation is handled by the designated national reference laboratory—currently the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) or other APHIS-approved confirmatory labs. These labs have validated confirmatory methods, strict chain-of-custody procedures, and the necessary biosafety and quality controls to produce a legally defensible diagnosis that can drive regulatory actions.

So, while screening and preliminary testing may occur at NAHLN labs, the official initial confirmation must be performed by the approved confirmatory laboratory, not by any NAHLN lab. If suspicion remains after screening, the sample is typically referred to the appropriate confirmatory lab for definitive determination.