The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network: 15 Years of Promoting Human and Animal Health by Collaborating with the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Community.

Abstract

The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a collaborative network established in 2010, is a partnership between the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM) and 48 veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) across North America. Vet-LIRN actively supports the CVM mission of protecting human and animal health by leveraging its network of VDLs. Initially focused on issues in animal foods, including by testing animal diagnostic samples, Vet-LIRN now addresses a broad range of CVM's priorities. These include responding to animal foodborne illness outbreaks, developing new methods to detect potential microbial and chemical contaminants in animal foods, tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR), promoting antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine, and preparing for emerging One Health threats such as COVID-19 and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Over the past 15 years, Vet-LIRN has played a pivotal role in many high-profile and important public health success stories, such as responding to multidrug-resistant Campylobacter outbreaks in puppies, aflatoxin contamination in pet food, Salmonella in pig ear treats, and botulinum toxin in alfalfa cubes. Additionally, Vet-LIRN's AMR monitoring program collects data to understand AMR trends and assist in the response to foodborne and zoonotic outbreaks. Through collaboration with other key stakeholders such as CVM regulatory colleagues and external partners at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vet-LIRN ensures rapid responses to critical issues. Looking ahead, Vet-LIRN remains dedicated to continuous improvements, reinforcing its commitment to the sustained protection of human and animal health.