PRESS RELEASE

May 3, 2006

U.S. Laboratory Expert Gives Advice on Advanced Diagnostic Technique

A U.S. consultant has just completed 5 weeks advising Vietnamese government veterinary laboratories as part of American assistance to Vietnam to control the spread of Avian Influenza.   David Krueger, a University of Wisconsin microbiologist and authority on animal disease diagnosis has been working with the Department of Animal Health’s (DAH) regional laboratories in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Danang.   He focused on proper laboratory set-up and techniques for use of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).  This is the most modern and efficient diagnostic procedure available today.   It has been in use in veterinary laboratories for less than 10 years and has only just been introduced to Vietnam’s animal health system.  Real-Time PCR will dramatically increase Vietnam’s animal diagnostic testing capacity and thus greatly enhance its ability to monitor and control Avian Influenza.    Mr. Krueger also participated in a workshop with veterinary laboratory officials from throughout Vietnam to work on standardizing procedures and improving coordination within the country’s system of nine government laboratories.   The United States Department of Agriculture sponsored Mr. Krueger’s work using emergency AI funding provided by Congress.

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