The wisconsin veterinary diagnostic laboratory (wvdl) is responsible for diagnostic testing, monitoring animal health and disease surveillance in wisconsin as well as surge, and response testing for…

The wisconsin veterinary diagnostic laboratory (wvdl) is responsible for diagnostic testing, monitoring animal health and disease surveillance in wisconsin as well as surge, and response testing for nahln scope diseases. The threat of foreign animal and emerging infectious diseases is higher than ever since the recent wide spread of african swine fever (ASF). The need for active disease surveillance continues to be critical for early detection and adequate emergency disease preparedness allows for prompt and effective disease outbreak response. Sample preparation for testing can be time consuming. Historically at wvdl, blood, tissue and serum sample preparation has occurred in the testing sections. Microbiologists' time is limited with the high workload every day, and lesson‐learned in the current highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the normal workload continues regardless of the increase of outbreak samples. New challenges for ASF testing that will be different include potential sample pooling occurring at the laboratory as well as high volume serology testing with the implementation of vaccine strategies. A recent workload review identified gaps and opportunities to leverage our current workforce and new automation equipment to improve workflow efficiency. A strategic plan was developed that can better leverage sample receiving and necropsy staff to help with sample processing, which will free up microbiologists' time on these tasks. The proposed equipment additions of 2 centrifuges and three liquid handlers will enable wvdl to build capacity for routine and nahln testing, focusing on increase efficiency in performing ASF PCR testing and high throughput ASF serology testing.