What is the function of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network?

The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) plays a critical role in strengthening animal health surveillance and response efforts across the United States. Its main function is to ensure effective information sharing and enhance surge capacity during outbreaks of animal diseases. By facilitating communication between laboratories and among various stakeholders, the network helps to coordinate response efforts swiftly and efficiently when animal diseases threaten public health, food safety, or livestock production.

This collaborative approach allows for rapid detection, diagnosis, and reporting of animal health issues, thus enabling timely intervention and management. The network also supports the laboratory capacity, ensuring that federal and state labs are prepared to handle large volumes of samples and can respond adequately during significant disease outbreaks. Through this enhanced capability to share data and resources, the NAHLN not only improves the overall readiness to deal with animal health emergencies but also contributes to the health and safety of animals and, ultimately, humans.