From the Institute Director, M.D. Salman

Mission
From the Director
Institute Programs
Collaborators
APHI Laboratory

Dear Colleagues,

The vision of the APHI is to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in animal populations through an integrated, broad-based approach by utilizing appropriate diagnostic measurements and surveillance systems.   Implementing this vision relies on multidisciplinary research and outreach to synthesize information and data to pilot an animal disease concern from its roots in basic science through the development of policy.  To this end, the Directors Group members, PEIIAD'S Advisory Group members and I have agreed upon the following four-year goals. 

• To conduct research regarding the diagnosis and control of infectious diseases important to animal agriculture, trade, and public health in the United States.
  • The APHI research team will focus on economically important diseases in collaboration with national and international partners. Efforts will continue in investigating Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) diseases, highly contagious animal diseases (e.g. FMD), tuberculosis, zoonotic viral diseases, foodborne zoonotic bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli O157, etc.), antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, and infectious diseases in horses.
  • The APHI research team will expand the knowledge base on economically important infectious diseases to include disease transmission factors and risk analysis methodologies related to the control of infectious diseases.
  • The APHI research team will investigate factors critical to understanding how to control pet overpopulation in the United States.
  • The APHI will maintain an extensive national and international professional network to promote involvement in the policy making process in animal health arenas through its Pet Overpopulation Program.
     
• To disseminate research findings to interested constituents.
  • The APHI research team will distribute its research findings to animal and public health professionals, consumers, and animal owners. Because knowledge of reliable research findings can impact the spread of disease, relevant information on disease physiology and epidemiology will be available to interested parties.
     
• To maintain a high quality graduate and professional program in veterinary epidemiology, infectious disease control, and disease ecology.
  • The APHI has and will continue to recruit high caliber graduate students in veterinary epidemiology, infectious diseases, and disease ecology.
     
• To constitute a new program in Training and Outreach for the APHI.

Through our activities, we, at the APHI, are working to remain on the forefront of investigating animal diseases that are a current threat to the United States while researching animal diseases that have not yet reached the country.  We are committed to educating individuals in veterinary epidemiology in a variety of settings including the university, government agencies, and the agricultural workplace.

Sincerely,
M.D. Salman
July, 2004