NOTICE: Influenza A Virus in Swine Surveillance Program – Changes Effective June 27, 2016

The Influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) Surveillance Program has collected and characterized virus isolates from swine since it was initiated in 2009. The program supports both animal and public health objectives. Program goals include monitoring the evolution of the virus, providing isolates for research and the development of diagnostic reagents, and updating diagnostic tests and vaccine seed stock products. Funding for this voluntary program is being rapidly depleted. However, we hope to extend testing beyond this fiscal year if additional funding can be identified.   

APHIS brought numerous stakeholders together in Ames, IA last month to discuss alternatives to make the program more economically efficient, conserve spending of the remaining funding, and extend the life of the program. As a result of this meeting and subsequent industry committee discussions four immediate changes to testing and reimbursement policies for the IAV-S Surveillance Program have been recommended:

1. Discontinue the USDA reimbursement for the Matrix PCR screening test.
2. Lower the Matrix PCR screening test CT cutoff values for samples eligible for USDA-covered further testing.
3. The M gene will be monitored by the NVSL through whole genome sequencing. However, payment to the NAHLN laboratories for sequencing of the M gene will be discontinued.
4. We will forward one sample per accession for subtyping PCR’s, reducing the current level by one sample.    

APHIS is implementing these changes, effective June 27, 2016. Any samples received in the laboratory on or before June 27, 2016 will be tested in accordance with the current algorithm and billed to APHIS’ Veterinary Services (VS) program prior to July 30, 2016.  Specific instructions for National Animal Health Laboratory Network Laboratories will be provided separately by the NAHLN Program Office.

 

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