Title: Laboratory Capacity FDA CVM Vet-LIRN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Program Project Summary/Abstract Veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) are pivotal not only in preventing and controlling animal diseases but also in monitoring zoonotic agents. Additionally, they play a vital role in detecting contamination in feed from microbiological or chemical agents. VDLs collaborate with public health laboratories, food diagnostic laboratories, and other agencies in monitoring trends in antimicrobial resistance among bacteria isolated from animals. The early and accurate detection of zoonotic and foodborne pathogens, along with the analysis of antimicrobial resistance, constitutes a top priority for the Center of Veterinary Medicine-FDA. The primary objective of this application is to secure funding through a cooperative agreement to procure equipment, supplies, training, and proficiency testing required by the FDA Vet-LIRN annually over at least five years. While the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, will benefit from this agreement, the FDA CVM Vet-LRN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Program will continue building national laboratory capacity. The specific aims of this cooperative agreement include: 1) strengthening coordination with veterinary diagnostic laboratories through the Vet-LIRN Program, participating in three key project areas (sample analysis, providing data, additional projects/method validation), 2) training, equipping, and proficiency evaluating technicians to conduct necessary testing for ensuring food supply safety and accurate diagnosis of pathogens in clinical samples, and 3) participating in the Vet LIRN Whole Genome Sequencing Project by supplying bacterial isolates as a Source Laboratory.