Project Summary The Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (AHDL) at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) seeks to participate in the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Program. The aim of the project is to improve the infrastructure capabilities of the AHDL to respond to potential outbreaks or incidents involving contaminated animal food or drug. The NJDA AHDL’s objective in participating in the CVM Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory program is to obtain the equipment, supplies, personnel, and training in standardized testing methodologies. The AHDL will participate in case investigations by engaging in sample analyses, necropsy, and histopathology services. The AHDL will participate in method development, method validation, animal food/drug defense assignments, tissue/slides sharing, bacterial isolates sharing, training, and proficiency testing when available. The AHDL will provide surge capacity as needed by the Vet-LIRN/FDA in the event of a large-scale microbiological or chemical terrorism or natural pathogenic organism outbreak events affecting animal food or drug products. The AHDL will share results of method development, method validation, and matrix extension studies with Vet- LIRN Program Office (VPO) and network laboratories as determined by the VPO. The AHDL will also provide antimicrobial susceptibility and whole genome sequencing capabilities including sharing the susceptibility data and relevant metadata. The AHDL has required laboratory staffing, equipment, facilities, and professional expertise to fulfill its obligations under the CVM Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory program.