![[FSRRN: Food Safety Research and Response Network]](/funfacts/images/funfact_23.png "[FSRRN: Food Safety Research and Response Network]")
FSRRN Journal
Volume I, Number 1. October 2005.
PDF Version
Contents:
Introduction to the FSRRN
Current Projects
A New FSRRN Initiative
Core News
Upcoming Events
Researcher Profiles
Masthead
Introduction to the FSRRN
The Problem
Food-borne pathogens are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the U. S. acute gastroenteritis is the second most common household illness and an estimated 76 million food-related illnesses occur each year. Heightened public awareness has prompted the U.S. government to launch a number of food safety initiatives, including the CDC FoodNet program and the 1997 National Food Safety Initiative. Embracing a farm-to-table approach, these initiatives have sought to improve the safety of the nation’s food supply. The events of September 11, 2001 have mobilized local, state and federal agencies in a national effort to enhance preparedness for both natural events and acts of terrorism that pose a threat to human health. Efforts to protect our food supply have refocused our attention on farm biosecurity and food protection during all phases of production, distribution and processing. These actions emphasize the collective responsibility of producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers in minimizing the morbidity and mortality associated with food-borne pathogens.
The Idea
The Food Safety Research Response Network (FSRRN) is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary team of food safety researchers and specialists focused on enhancing our understanding of food safety pathogens in the production environment and mitigating their effects on human health. The FSRRN was designed to build on existing programs and expertise in epidemiology and food-safety microbiology at participating institutions.
Goal and Work Plan
The mission of the FSRRN is the integration of ideas, expertise, and research resources to develop practical applications and recommendations for minimizing the effect of pre-harvest food-safety pathogens on consumer health. The FSRRN bridges the disciplines of epidemiology and microbiology to support network research activities focused on four integrated themes: 1) The Public Health Impact of Pre-harvest Food-safety Pathogens; 2) Microbial Ecology of Pre-harvest Food-safety Pathogens; 3) Detection, Surveillance and Risk Assessment of Pre-harvest Food-safety Pathogens; and 4) The Development of Cost-Effective Intervention Strategies For Pre-harvest Food-safety Pathogens.
The research themes transverse the spectrum of concerns that need to be addressed to effectively address the survival, proliferation, evolution and dissemination of pre-harvest food-safety pathogens. Initial efforts focus on Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in the pre-harvest production environment. The program is administered through an Administrative Core and Steering Committee, and an Advisory Board of stakeholders provides additional guidance. Core support units in Epidemiology and Pathogen Detection support investigator efforts by providing assistance with study design, laboratory and analytic training, the development of new pathogen detection and analytic strategies, spatial information systems, and standardizing program protocols.Participating investigators also support a Research Response Team that provides targeted additional research support for state and federal agencies requiring assistance in the investigation of emerging food-safety pathogens and new variants of previously recognized pathogens. The FSRRN can be engaged by the FSRRN Steering Committee at the request of a state department of public health or federal agency when additional research capacity is needed to assist with large scale episodes, episodes involving unknown pathogens or when specialized analytic or investigational expertise is needed. In the event of an episode requiring mobilization of the response team, equipment and resources and specific analytic protocols are in place to accommodate rapid deployment and an effective response.
The Situation
The FSRRN is funded for four years by the USDA Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service and is in its first year of activity. Current studies focus on genetic variation in Campylobacter jejuni, a pathogen associated with the consumption of poultry products, the quantification of Salmonella spp. in swine production facilities and the relationship of Salmonella spp. load to the presence and levels of Salmonella spp. in pork products.
An additional effort is also in progress to conduct a comprehensive review of potential intervention strategies for reducing Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in the production environment. The Network is also initiating studies in cooperation with the FDA and CDC focused on identifying strategies for reducing the contamination of tomatoes with Salmonella spp.
Current Projects
Quantifying the Potential Association of Pathogen Load in Animals with Pathogen Load in Retail Meat Products
PI: Julie Funk (The Ohio State University), Co-PIs: Wondwossen Gebreyes (North Carolina State University), Randall Singer and Richard Isaacson (University of Minnesota), Tom Wittum (The Ohio State University).
Specific Aims include:
1) Standardizing techniques for on-farm pathogen quantification;
2) Quantifying pathogen loads at the farm, after lairage, at processing and after preparation for retail sale;
3) Comparing pathogen loads at each point in the farm to retail product continuum;
4) Contrasting relative changes in pathogen load in two different livestock commodities, cattle and swine.
Characterization of Genetic Factors Required for Campylobacter spp. a Colonization: Identifying Potential Target Genes for Pre-harvest Intervention of Foodborne Pathogens
PI: Qijing Zhang (Iowa State University), Co-PIs: Lynn Joens (University of Arizona), Michael Konkel (Washington State University).
Specific Aims include:
1) Identifying the Campylobacter/Salmonella genes that are differentially expressed in animal hosts;
2) Determining the genetic diversity and profiles of Campylobacter isolates from various animal species;
3) Identifying the potential molecular targets for the detection and intervention of foodborne pathogens.
Systematic Review of Pre-harvest Food-safety Interventions
PI: Jan Sargeant (McMasters University), Co-PIs: Robert Wills, R. Hart Bailey (Mississippi State University), James McKean, A. O’Connor (Iowa State University).
Specific Aims include:
1) Conducting a systematic review of potential intervention strategies for mitigating the presence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers and Salmonella spp. in swine;
2) Ranking intervention strategies and making specific recommendations for future research and mitigation activities by producers;
3) Conducting a cost-effective analysis of identified intervention strategies.
Quantifying the Potential Association of Pathogen Load in Animals with Pathogen Load in Retail Meat Products
PI: Julie Funk (The Ohio State University), Co-PIs: Wondwossen Gebreyes (North Carolina State University), Randall Singer and Richard Isaacson (University of Minnesota), Tom Wittum (The Ohio State University).
Specific Aims include:
1) Standardizing techniques for on-farm pathogen quantification;
2) Quantifying pathogen loads at the farm, after lairage, at processing and after preparation for retail sale;
3) Comparing pathogen loads at each point in the farm to retail product continuum;
4) Contrasting relative changes in pathogen load in two different livestock commodities, cattle and swine.
Characterization of Genetic Factors Required for Campylobacter spp. a Colonization: Identifying Potential Target Genes for Pre-harvest Intervention of Foodborne Pathogens
PI: Qijing Zhang (Iowa State University), Co-PIs: Lynn Joens (University of Arizona), Michael Konkel (Washington State University).
Specific Aims include:
1) Identifying the Campylobacter/Salmonella genes that are differentially expressed in animal hosts;
2) Determining the genetic diversity and profiles of Campylobacter isolates from various animal species;
3) Identifying the potential molecular targets for the detection and intervention of foodborne pathogens.
Systematic Review of Pre-harvest Food-safety Interventions
PI: Jan Sargeant (McMasters University), Co-PIs: Robert Wills, R. Hart Bailey (Mississippi State University), James McKean, A. O’Connor (Iowa State University).
Specific Aims include:
1) Conducting a systematic review of potential intervention strategies for mitigating the presence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers and Salmonella spp. in swine;
2) Ranking intervention strategies and making specific recommendations for future research and mitigation activities by producers;
3) Conducting a cost-effective analysis of identified intervention strategies.
A New FSRRN Initiative
Project Title: Food-Safety Pathogen Load in the Production Environment and its Relationship to Product Safety and Human Health
During the past five months the steering committee has been actively meeting and working to define broad longitudinal project ideas that reflect the spirit of the FSRRN and can serve as a marquee example of the strength of the FSRRN team. We have met with representatives of FSIS, FDA, DHS, CDC and the USDA, received input from commodity groups, and have worked to define how we can bring together the FSRRN team to support a longitudinal study that takes full advantage of FSRRN team investigator expertise. The proposed study reflects these deliberations.
The proposed longitudinal study will focus on Salmonella spp. pathogen load in the cattle and produce industries in the Central Valley of California. An FSRRN Sub-committee has been asked to design a multi-year longitudinal study that will serve as a source of samples and pathogen isolates for a series of additional related studies. The steering committee will then request proposals from the FSRRN team in support of the overall project.
Framework of the Proposed Longitudinal Study
The proposed study focuses on quantifying and contrasting the relationship between food-safety pathogen load in the production environment and food-safety pathogen load during processing and in finished food products. Consumers are dependent on the ability of producers, processors, and retailers to ensure that marketed agricultural products are safe for human consumption. Although our food-safety is relatively safe when compared with those of other regions, human pathogens still enter the food chain. The complete elimination of pathogens from all food products is beyond the capabilities of our current systems of food production, processing, storage and retailing. Effective strategies have been developed for reducing pathogen dissemination and pathogen load in food-processing facilities. However, the value of the HAACP protocols and other procedures used to reduce pathogen load would be enhanced by effective reduction of the load of pathogens entering processing facilities in livestock and produce.
The proposed longitudinal study embraces the hypothesis that Healthy Animals Yield Safe Food. It will build on the following conceptual ideas and hypotheses:
a) Animal health is associated with human health.
b) Pathogen load in animals and the farm environment is associated with animal health and human health.
c) The interrelationships between pathogens and commensal microbes are associated with animal and human health.
d) Reductions in pathogen load on the farm contribute to reduced pathogen load in livestock products.
A full description of this new FSRRN Initiative is posted on the FSRRN website (www.fsrrn.net).
Project Title: Food-Safety Pathogen Load in the Production Environment and its Relationship to Product Safety and Human Health
During the past five months the steering committee has been actively meeting and working to define broad longitudinal project ideas that reflect the spirit of the FSRRN and can serve as a marquee example of the strength of the FSRRN team. We have met with representatives of FSIS, FDA, DHS, CDC and the USDA, received input from commodity groups, and have worked to define how we can bring together the FSRRN team to support a longitudinal study that takes full advantage of FSRRN team investigator expertise. The proposed study reflects these deliberations.
The proposed longitudinal study will focus on Salmonella spp. pathogen load in the cattle and produce industries in the Central Valley of California. An FSRRN Sub-committee has been asked to design a multi-year longitudinal study that will serve as a source of samples and pathogen isolates for a series of additional related studies. The steering committee will then request proposals from the FSRRN team in support of the overall project.
Framework of the Proposed Longitudinal Study
The proposed study focuses on quantifying and contrasting the relationship between food-safety pathogen load in the production environment and food-safety pathogen load during processing and in finished food products. Consumers are dependent on the ability of producers, processors, and retailers to ensure that marketed agricultural products are safe for human consumption. Although our food-safety is relatively safe when compared with those of other regions, human pathogens still enter the food chain. The complete elimination of pathogens from all food products is beyond the capabilities of our current systems of food production, processing, storage and retailing. Effective strategies have been developed for reducing pathogen dissemination and pathogen load in food-processing facilities. However, the value of the HAACP protocols and other procedures used to reduce pathogen load would be enhanced by effective reduction of the load of pathogens entering processing facilities in livestock and produce.
The proposed longitudinal study embraces the hypothesis that Healthy Animals Yield Safe Food. It will build on the following conceptual ideas and hypotheses:
a) Animal health is associated with human health.
- Healthy animals are less likely to shed food-safety pathogens.
- Animals whose health is compromised by poor nutrition, disease or management problems are more likely to shed food-safety pathogens and increase pathogen load before processing.
- Animal handling during transport or lairage can affect pathogen shedding.
b) Pathogen load in animals and the farm environment is associated with animal health and human health.
- High pathogen levels observed during processing are associated with high pathogen load in livestock.
- High pathogen levels observed during processing are associated with high pathogen load in the production environment.
c) The interrelationships between pathogens and commensal microbes are associated with animal and human health.
- Interrelationships between food-safety pathogens and commensals contribute to pathogen load.
- Changes in microbial communities can alter pathogen presence and load.
d) Reductions in pathogen load on the farm contribute to reduced pathogen load in livestock products.
- Cost-effective interventions on the farm can reduce pathogen load in animals, during transport lairage and processing.
- Cost-effective interventions on the farm can reduce the burden of human illness associated with food-safety pathogens.
A full description of this new FSRRN Initiative is posted on the FSRRN website (www.fsrrn.net).
Core News
Administrative Core
A cooperative effort is in progress with Purdue Homeland Security Institute to develop a training activity in support of food protection and defense. The effort takes advantage of ten years of programming expertise at Purdue developing training models that are supported by computer databases. The training activity provides participants with the opportunity to see how their decision-making alters morbidity and mortality and local, state, and federal responses to the food-related public health episode.
The FSRRN is offering summer research internships for qualified students to promote career opportunities in food-safety research. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a professional veterinary curriculum or food-safety-related undergraduate or graduate program at an FSRRN participant University. To apply students must identify an FSRRN team member as a sponsor. The FSRRN team sponsor will work cooperatively with the student in their own laboratory, or in cooperation with a research mentor at participating federal agencies (e.g., CDC) to guide the student's research efforts. Internships require a minimum 10-week commitment during which students will be selected for employment with federal agencies and FSRRN laboratories engaged in food safety research. During 2006 we anticipate offering 12 stipends of $5,000 for the duration of the 10-week period. Stipend levels will be adjusted to the cost-of-living in different locations.
Applications will be available online (www.fsrrn.net) [FSRRN summer internship program] and must be completed by January 15, 2006. Applications will be reviewed and students notified about the status of their application by mid-February. Potential project ideas are also listed on the FSRRN website. Please contact the program director, Jay Levine (Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu) if you have questions. A cooperative effort is in progress with Purdue Homeland Security Institute to develop a training activity in support of food protection and defense. The effort takes advantage of ten years of programming expertise at Purdue developing training models that are supported by computer databases. The training activity provides participants with the opportunity to see how their decision-making alters morbidity and mortality and local, state, and federal responses to the food-related public health episode.
The FSRRN is offering summer research internships for qualified students to promote career opportu-nities in food-safety research. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a professional veterinary curriculum or food-safety-related undergraduate or graduate program at an FSRRN participant University. To apply students must identify an FSRRN team member as a sponsor. The FSRRN team sponsor will work cooperatively with the student in their own laboratory, or in cooperation with a research mentor at participating federal agencies (e.g., CDC) to guide the student's research efforts. Internships require a minimum 10-week commitment during which students will be selected for employment with federal agencies and FSRRN laboratories engaged in food safety research. During 2006 we anticipate offering 12 stipends of $5,000 for the duration of the 10-week period. Stipend levels will be adjusted to the cost-of-living in different locations.
Applications will be available online (www.fsrrn.net) [FSRRN summer internship program] and must be completed by January 15, 2006. Applications will be reviewed and students notified about the status of their application by mid-February. Potential project ideas are also listed on the FSRRN website. Please contact the program director, Jay Levine (Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu) if you have questions.
Microbial Core
The Microbial Core's responsibility is assisting investigators with pathogen detection protocols, their development, standardization and interpretation. The Core has completed the organization of a sample/pathogen database that will serve as a resource for investigators within the Network. The database will catalog samples and pathogens, and include information about pathogen strain or serovar, origin of the sample (i.e., species, environmental, etc.), investigator, and location of isolation. The database will be accessible online via the FSRRN website (www.fsrrn.net) to all members of the Network. A primary objective of the microbial detection core is to serve as a clearinghouse for standardized microbial detection protocols for FSRRN investigators. The core is currently in the process of compiling protocols used by investigators within the network. The core has also been involved with experimental studies for improving detection methods, including the use of Pathatrix for enu-meration of pathogens at low levels, and a current study involving the use of fluorescent biosensors to detect foodborne pathogens.
Research Response Team
The FSRRN Research Response Team, FSRRN Microbial Core, University of Florida, and University of California, Davis FSRRN Team members have been engaged to conduct cooperative research with the FDA and CDC. The effort focuses on identifying the origin of Salmonella enterica Javiana associated with outbreaks of gastroenteritis related to the consumption of Roma tomatoes. Studies conducted by FSRRN team members in Florida and California will focus on identifying points in the production cycle and other components of the food chain that are potentially associated with tomato contamination. Team members, in consultation with FDA and CDC staff, will conduct comprehensive audits following tomato production and processing from seed to marketable product. The effort will identify potential targets for additional research and problem mitigation.
Administrative Core
A cooperative effort is in progress with Purdue Homeland Security Institute to develop a training activity in support of food protection and defense. The effort takes advantage of ten years of programming expertise at Purdue developing training models that are supported by computer databases. The training activity provides participants with the opportunity to see how their decision-making alters morbidity and mortality and local, state, and federal responses to the food-related public health episode.
The FSRRN is offering summer research internships for qualified students to promote career opportunities in food-safety research. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a professional veterinary curriculum or food-safety-related undergraduate or graduate program at an FSRRN participant University. To apply students must identify an FSRRN team member as a sponsor. The FSRRN team sponsor will work cooperatively with the student in their own laboratory, or in cooperation with a research mentor at participating federal agencies (e.g., CDC) to guide the student's research efforts. Internships require a minimum 10-week commitment during which students will be selected for employment with federal agencies and FSRRN laboratories engaged in food safety research. During 2006 we anticipate offering 12 stipends of $5,000 for the duration of the 10-week period. Stipend levels will be adjusted to the cost-of-living in different locations.
Applications will be available online (www.fsrrn.net) [FSRRN summer internship program] and must be completed by January 15, 2006. Applications will be reviewed and students notified about the status of their application by mid-February. Potential project ideas are also listed on the FSRRN website. Please contact the program director, Jay Levine (Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu) if you have questions. A cooperative effort is in progress with Purdue Homeland Security Institute to develop a training activity in support of food protection and defense. The effort takes advantage of ten years of programming expertise at Purdue developing training models that are supported by computer databases. The training activity provides participants with the opportunity to see how their decision-making alters morbidity and mortality and local, state, and federal responses to the food-related public health episode.
The FSRRN is offering summer research internships for qualified students to promote career opportu-nities in food-safety research. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a professional veterinary curriculum or food-safety-related undergraduate or graduate program at an FSRRN participant University. To apply students must identify an FSRRN team member as a sponsor. The FSRRN team sponsor will work cooperatively with the student in their own laboratory, or in cooperation with a research mentor at participating federal agencies (e.g., CDC) to guide the student's research efforts. Internships require a minimum 10-week commitment during which students will be selected for employment with federal agencies and FSRRN laboratories engaged in food safety research. During 2006 we anticipate offering 12 stipends of $5,000 for the duration of the 10-week period. Stipend levels will be adjusted to the cost-of-living in different locations.
Applications will be available online (www.fsrrn.net) [FSRRN summer internship program] and must be completed by January 15, 2006. Applications will be reviewed and students notified about the status of their application by mid-February. Potential project ideas are also listed on the FSRRN website. Please contact the program director, Jay Levine (Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu) if you have questions.
Microbial Core
The Microbial Core's responsibility is assisting investigators with pathogen detection protocols, their development, standardization and interpretation. The Core has completed the organization of a sample/pathogen database that will serve as a resource for investigators within the Network. The database will catalog samples and pathogens, and include information about pathogen strain or serovar, origin of the sample (i.e., species, environmental, etc.), investigator, and location of isolation. The database will be accessible online via the FSRRN website (www.fsrrn.net) to all members of the Network. A primary objective of the microbial detection core is to serve as a clearinghouse for standardized microbial detection protocols for FSRRN investigators. The core is currently in the process of compiling protocols used by investigators within the network. The core has also been involved with experimental studies for improving detection methods, including the use of Pathatrix for enu-meration of pathogens at low levels, and a current study involving the use of fluorescent biosensors to detect foodborne pathogens.
Research Response Team
The FSRRN Research Response Team, FSRRN Microbial Core, University of Florida, and University of California, Davis FSRRN Team members have been engaged to conduct cooperative research with the FDA and CDC. The effort focuses on identifying the origin of Salmonella enterica Javiana associated with outbreaks of gastroenteritis related to the consumption of Roma tomatoes. Studies conducted by FSRRN team members in Florida and California will focus on identifying points in the production cycle and other components of the food chain that are potentially associated with tomato contamination. Team members, in consultation with FDA and CDC staff, will conduct comprehensive audits following tomato production and processing from seed to marketable product. The effort will identify potential targets for additional research and problem mitigation.
Upcoming Events
The FSRRN Annual Meeting will be held this year in St. Louis on December 3rd, in association with the Conference of Research Workers of Animal Disease.
FSRRN/EU Collaboration Brainstorming Meeting
A cooperative meeting will be held between the FSRRN Steering committee and first year project investigators and the steering committee project and investigators of the MED/VET/NET network.
The goal of the meeting is to create cooperative research opportunities between the FSRRN team and MED/VET/NET investigators. We will review the progress being made with existing projects, and discuss the proposed longitudinal projects and other project ideas. A general business meeting will also be held.
The meeting will be held at The National Conservation Training Center in Shepardstown, West Virginia, (http://training.fws.gov/) November 28 and 29, 2005.
Maps and directions can be found at:
http://training.fws.gov/mapdir.html
For more information, contact Jay Levine (919 513-6397, Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu) A cooperative meeting will be held between the FSRRN Steering committee and first year project investigators and the steering committee project and investigators of the MED/VET/NET network.
The FSRRN Annual Meeting will be held this year in St. Louis on December 3rd, in association with the Conference of Research Workers of Animal Disease.
FSRRN/EU Collaboration Brainstorming Meeting
A cooperative meeting will be held between the FSRRN Steering committee and first year project investigators and the steering committee project and investigators of the MED/VET/NET network.
The goal of the meeting is to create cooperative research opportunities between the FSRRN team and MED/VET/NET investigators. We will review the progress being made with existing projects, and discuss the proposed longitudinal projects and other project ideas. A general business meeting will also be held.
The meeting will be held at The National Conservation Training Center in Shepardstown, West Virginia, (http://training.fws.gov/) November 28 and 29, 2005.
Maps and directions can be found at:
http://training.fws.gov/mapdir.html
For more information, contact Jay Levine (919 513-6397, Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu) A cooperative meeting will be held between the FSRRN Steering committee and first year project investigators and the steering committee project and investigators of the MED/VET/NET network.
Researcher Profiles
Dr. Douglas Call
Assistant Professor of Molecular Epidemiology Doug Call of Washington State University conducts research activities and collaborations involving pathogen detection, microbial genomics, antibiotic resistance, biofilms, molecular epidemiology, population genetics, immunology and gene expression. His lab oversees the microarray fabrication and scanning instrumentation housed in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Yung-Fu Chang
Yung-Fu Chang joined the Cornell Faculty in 1989 and is a member of the graduate fields of comparative biomedical Sciences and Zoology. He participates in the infection and pathobiology Program and in the Cornell Genomics Initiative. His research program focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of bacterial diseases and his formal teaching activity has been mainly in the graduate special topics in infectious disease (VETDL 702) and undergraduate course (Bio. Sci.499).
Dr. Douglas Call
Assistant Professor of Molecular Epidemiology Doug Call of Washington State University conducts research activities and collaborations involving pathogen detection, microbial genomics, antibiotic resistance, biofilms, molecular epidemiology, population genetics, immunology and gene expression. His lab oversees the microarray fabrication and scanning instrumentation housed in the College of Veterinary Medicine.Dr. Yung-Fu Chang
Yung-Fu Chang joined the Cornell Faculty in 1989 and is a member of the graduate fields of comparative biomedical Sciences and Zoology. He participates in the infection and pathobiology Program and in the Cornell Genomics Initiative. His research program focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of bacterial diseases and his formal teaching activity has been mainly in the graduate special topics in infectious disease (VETDL 702) and undergraduate course (Bio. Sci.499).Masthead
The FOOD SAFETY RESEARCH AND RESPONSE NETWORK is a cooperative multi-university, multi-agency consortium supported with funding provided by the USDA/CSREES/NRI. Additional support is provided by The National Pork Board and The Food Safety Inspection Service. The FSRRN newsletter is published quarterly and distributed via the website (http://www.fsrrn.net).
For more information, contact:
Jay F. Levine DVM MPH, FSRRN Project Director
Associate Professor of Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University
919 513-6397, FAX: 919 513-6464, E-mail: Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu
Newsletter design: Marla Laubisch (Marla_Laubisch@ncsu.edu)
For more information, contact:
Jay F. Levine DVM MPH, FSRRN Project Director
Associate Professor of Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University
919 513-6397, FAX: 919 513-6464, E-mail: Jay_Levine@ncsu.edu
Newsletter design: Marla Laubisch (Marla_Laubisch@ncsu.edu)
