On Oct. 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announced a new partnership between the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will place five scientists in labs in each of the five NAHLN regions to enhance the capabilities and capacities of NAHLN.

These scientists will evaluate and develop diagnostics for animal and zoonotic diseases. They will collaborate across the organizations, and will be responsible for evaluating local, regional, national, and international threats and ensuring the NAHLN laboratories have the tools necessary to diagnose emerging threats.