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“This new software represents
the efforts of the University of Kentucky to support a bold and innovative
step in disease surveillance. We value the commitment and trust shown by
each of the partners and we commend the LDDC for initiating this productive
enterprise.”
Nancy Cox
Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Director and UK College of
Agriculture Associate Dean for Research.
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By Holly Wiemers
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 24, 2006) – Traditionally, Kentucky’s agricultural industry
has had a limited arsenal of tools at its disposal to track and respond to
animal diseases. That will soon change with the recent announcement by the
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic
Center that a software system has been selected to power Kentucky’s first
integrated and real-time animal health information system.
A partnership was formed during the past year between the LDDC, Breathitt
Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville and the state veterinarian’s office to improve
Kentucky’s ability to manage the laboratories and more effectively monitor
animal diseases. After extensive research, the group selected CAI, Inc., of
Harrisburg, Penn., to build an integrated animal health information system in
accordance with Kentucky’s unique design requirements. In addition, the
Lexington software engineering firm, Hensley, Elam and Associates Inc., is in
the process of developing software that dovetails with the new network and will
aid in real-time statistical analysis of disease data.
“This is a huge leap forward for agriculture in Kentucky,” said Craig Carter,
LDDC epidemiologist and LDDC LIMS (laboratory information management system)
steering committee chair. “The complete integration and ongoing analysis of
animal health information is the only effective means of preparing for and
dealing with endemic and emerging diseases.”
According to Carter, CAI, Inc. has already developed a software system for
Pennsylvania’s state veterinarian office. This same system will be customized
for Kentucky’s unique needs and implemented in the Lexington and Hopkinsville
labs by July 2007, fully integrating the two labs and the state veterinarian’s
office for the first time. This integration will greatly improve the overall
efficiency of diagnostic information management at both laboratories, lead to
quicker turnaround time for laboratory testing and provide better overall
disease surveillance for Kentucky’s animal agriculture.
“The new system is part of an overall effort to connect the labs to our office.
Dr. Carter has been a huge help in this process and we anticipate that this
system will be a tremendous success,” said Robert Stout, Kentucky State
Veterinarian.
“We’re excited about getting the new system up and running,” said Carey Laster,
avian pathologist with the Breathitt Veterinary Center and that lab’s LIMS
steering committee chair. “This is going to be an opportunity for all the lab
systems to be on the same page and share information with the state vet’s office
so we have a better handle on what’s happening in the state.”
Carter explained that the new system will offer many benefits to Kentucky,
including a near real-time analysis of health events involving animals. This
analysis will be conducted on information gathered at the farm level and in the
laboratories. The network will then generate automated alerts to key
stakeholders, such as the state veterinarian, when clusters of events exceed a
statistical threshold. These alerts will allow for the earliest field response
to emerging diseases, such as West Nile, Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome and
Avian Flu, as well as providing early detection of possible agri-terrorist
attacks.
Another important aspect of the system will be the use of sophisticated disease
mapping applications that will aid the state veterinarian’s office in its
emergency response to animal diseases.
“Situational awareness to where all animals at risk are located will be
invaluable in providing an effective response to disease outbreaks,” Carter
explained.
In addition, he said, the new system will generate maps, charts and disease
trend data on the Web to help veterinarians and farmers around the state stay
current regarding animal disease prevalence.
“This new software represents the efforts of the University of Kentucky to
support a bold and innovative step in disease surveillance. We value the
commitment and trust shown by each of the partners and we commend the LDDC for
initiating this productive enterprise,” said Nancy Cox, Kentucky Agricultural
Experiment Station director and UK College of Agriculture associate dean for
research. “We are especially proud to have the talents of Craig Carter in
Kentucky.”
The LIMS package is part of a comprehensive statewide effort that includes the
enhancement of facilities for the LDDC and Hopkinsville labs. This effort
includes a request for funding for a second phase of enhancements geared to help
the LDDC gain full accreditation. The LDDC currently operates under a
provisional accreditation due, in part, to the outdated condition of its
facilities. While funding for phase two enhancements was not awarded in 2006,
the lab will continue to pursue efforts to secure funding for the necessary
enhancements.
Writer: Holly
Wiemers, 859-257-4883
Contact: Craig Carter, (859) 253-0571
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