FDA seeks samples from pets sickened by Salmonella

Rockville, Md.

— The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is clarifying requirements for a new

Salmonella

evaluation program after receiving a number of questions.

The cooperative agreements, announced July 15, will provide funding through CVM’s Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (Vet-LRN) to those who can provide diagnostic samples. CVM is seeking applications that will provide information on the prevalence of

Salmonella

in fecal samples from both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs and cats brought to veterinary clinics in order to gain further insight into the frequency of

Salmonella

infected companion animals.

Bacteria will be isolated, identified and serotyped by the participating laboratories and the isolates will be submitted to FDA. Further DNA analysis will help CVM determine if the

Salmonella

strains isolated from pets are genetically similar to the strains previously isolated from humans or animal feeds. The data from this study will help CVM prioritize investigations of foodborne diseases and rank future surveillance efforts.

To apply for the cooperative agreements, participants must demonstrate an adequate veterinary caseload at the institution, technical expertise and ability to conduct the appropriate volume of cultures. Applicants also will be evaluated on accreditation status and geographical location to provide program balance and a diverse patient population. The deadline for submission of applications is August 15, 2011.

Cooperative agreements will be available for up to $60,000 in total costs for one year, with the possibility of a second year of funding. After the initial year of funding, future funding opportunities are planned but will be dependent upon the availability of funds.

The Funding Opportunity Announcement RFA-FD-11-010 is available

here

and applications must be submitted electronically through

Grants.gov

.