NAHLN and the Veterinary Diagnostic Labs Need Your Support

May 27, 2015 — 

The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) has been engaged in federal advocacy for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) since funding was deleted by Congress a few years ago. Since that time AAVLD has made significant progress, as listed below:

1. Restoring funding from ZERO to $7 million
2. Increasing 2014 total funding to $12 million
3. A new, additional $15 million authorization for the NAHLN in the Farm Bill
4. Coalition building (120 signatories to Congress requesting support for the NAHLN)
5. Education of key staffers and legislators…. most did not know AAVLD nor did they know about the NAHLN

The effort has just begun, however. Future goals include getting the current $15 million NAHLN Farm Bill authorization line funded (appropriated) and to reach the original funding goal of $30 million mandatory funding in the next Farm bill.

AAVLD’s efforts to date have been successful due, in part, to the hard work of the consulting firm, Capitol Counsel, hired in 2011. Maintaining a consistent presence in Washington, DC is critical to prevent past efforts from being wasted. For the last few years, AAVLD has been paying Capitol Counsel from gains in the organization’s investments, but this is not sustainable.

To provide a source of funding to support the on-going efforts, AAVLD has established a fund raising effort titled “Friends of the Labs” to continue the engagement of Capitol Counsel and the association’s work in Washington DC. AAVLD needs to raise at least $35,000 this year. An adequately funded laboratory network is critical for the protection of animal agriculture and business continuity during an animal health emergency. We are asking for your support by downloading the donation form and supporting AAVLD’s Friends of the Labs campaign.