ADDL Video of Proper Sample Collection for CWD Testing Now Available on YouTube
Lauren Cain, RVT, MS, ADDL Veterinary Pathology Assistant
The ADDL has created a video for proper sample collection for Chronic Wasting Disease testing. This video demonstrates the technique for collection of medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes, obex, and official identification, all of which are required for immunohistochemistry CWD testing at the ADDL for CWD Herd Certification Program compliance. The video also covers appropriate sample preparation and packaging for shipment to the laboratory. Please reach out to the lab at 614-728-6220 for additional guidance or questions. We also have a Resource Page with more details about CWD sample collection in Ohio.
 Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry
Dominika Jurkovic, Ph.D., ADDL Bacteriology Section Laboratory Scientist
In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry. Four serotypes have been associated with these active outbreaks: Enteritidis, Hadar, Infantis, and Mbandaka. As of June 24, 2021, 474 people in 46 states have been infected with one of the outbreak strains (CDC Investigation Notice) and Ohio currently has 28 cases linked to these outbreaks.
In April, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) submitted samples from a sick person’s ducklings for Salmonella culture to the Ohio ADDL. The ADDL bacteriology section successfully isolated Salmonella from the duckling sample. Serotyping and whole genome analysis of the isolate performed by the ODH laboratory found the Salmonella isolate to be Salmonella Hadar and closely related to bacteria isolated from human samples. Ohio ADDL remains committed to working with ODH and CDC to test future samples related to these outbreaks.
 Salmonella grown using XL7-4 agar at the ADDL
For the past three years, Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to backyard poultry. The CDC reminds backyard flock owners to properly wash your hands after touching backyard poultry, supervise children around flocks, and to handle eggs safely. Educational materials that can be shared with backyard poultry owners can be found on the CDC website (for a printable poster, visit Healthy Families and Flocks).
 Ohio Egg Quality Program Updates
Jing Cui, DVM, MS, ADDL Bacteriology Section Head
FDA regulations (21 CFR 118) require shell egg producers to implement measures to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) from contaminating eggs on the farm and from further growth during storage and transportation (effective since July 9, 2009). The rule also requires shell egg producers to maintain records concerning their compliance with the rule and to register with FDA. FDA took this action because SE is among the leading bacterial causes of foodborne illness in the United States, and shell eggs are a primary source of human SE infections. The FDA final rule, “Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation”, aims to reduce SE-associated illnesses and deaths by reducing the risk that shell eggs are contaminated with SE.
Annual Ohio Egg Quality Training was held on June 8th, presented by the Ohio Poultry Association (Jenna Gregorich) and Ohio Department of Agriculture (Dan Goeglein, Molly Roberts, Arlis Young and Jing Cui), with topics including “A guide to OEQA & FDA Inspections”, “SE Sample Collection, Submission and Testing” and “Biosecurity Plans”.
On behalf of FDA, ODA’s Animal Health Division is contracted to conduct comprehensive and targeted inspections at egg firms in Ohio to evaluate the firms’ compliance with the FDA requirements. Ohio is one of five states (IN, IA, NC, PA) that conduct targeted egg inspections and the only state doing comprehensive (environmental sampling) egg inspections. Firms subject to Part 118 of the CFR administered by FDA are shell egg producers with more than 3,000 laying hens at one location. Since 2016 Ohio has completed nearly 270 targeted egg inspections and 15 comprehensive egg inspections. ODA’s new contract begins in September 2021 and is expected to include 50 targeted and 5 comprehensive egg inspections.
Nationally the five most common violations found are:
- Failure to fully implement the written SE prevention plan.
- Environmental testing for SE was not followed according to 40-45 weeks.
- Written plan lacks specific required SE preventive measures.
- Stray animals are not prevented from entering poultry houses.
- Potential harborages for pests in and outside the poultry house have not been eliminated.
If the violation is severe enough a #483 may be issued and FDA may subsequently issue a Letter of Warning to the firm.
ODA Explores Need for New ADDL
Anne Parkinson, BS, ADDL Serology Section Head
Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda has announced that the state controlling board released funds to explore the need for a new ADDL to serve livestock and poultry producers in the state of Ohio. In conjunction with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) and an ODA lab planning core committee, an architectural firm has been selected to perform a needs assessment to determine if the ODA is justified in requesting a new facility. Champlin Architecture of Cincinnati, Ohio in partnership with Clark & Enersen of Kansas City, Missouri will be moving forward with the assessment on behalf of the ODA. Both firms are well-known for their experience and high-quality projects. Clark & Enersen will be providing considerable expertise specifically on the design of veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Initial visioning sessions have already been held with the first benchmark report from Champlin expected August 6th. The firm will be spending time in the ADDL with staff to determine what the lab’s needs are and to design future lab space that will best benefit and enhance services to ADDL clients. The assessment will continue through this year and is scheduled to conclude in January of 2022.
 ADDL Debuts on the ODA Podcast
Melanie Prarat, MS, ADDL Central Receiving Head
Did you know that the Ohio Department of Agriculture has a podcast? Now you do! On June 11, the ADDL's new Laboratory Director, Dr. Richard French, and ADDL's Serology Section Head, Anne Parkinson, made guest appearances on the podcast, talking about what our lab does and it's role in animal health and protecting Ohio's animal industries.
 The Ohio ADDL will be closed on Monday, July 5th, 2021 in observance of Independence Day.
If you need to contact us regarding an urgent matter, please use our after hours phone number: (888) 456-3405.
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