CVM Scientists Win Awards

FDA Veterinarian Newsletter May/June 2003 Volume XVIII, No 3

At the FDA Science Forum, held April 24-25, 2003, in Washington, DC, the following CVM scientists were recognized:

EXCELLENCE IN ANALYTICAL SCIENCE

CAMPYLOBACTER WORKING GROUP
Robert D. Walker, M.S., Ph.D., Patrick F. McDermott, M.S., Ph.D., Sonya M. Bodeis, B.S.

For the development of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) approved antimicrobial susceptibility testing method for fastidious food borne bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni.

Different species of Campylobacter have been recognized as human pathogens for several decades with Campylobacter jejuni being the most common. It has been estimated that approximately 2.4 million cases of campylobacteriosis occur every year in the U.S. The development of a standardized susceptibility testing method for Campylobacter, including a validated quality control strain, will provide scientists worldwide with accurate and reliable data. The advancement made by the awardees will accelerate understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in Campylobacter drug resistance. It will enable researchers to quantify the contribution different resistance determinants underlying the evolution of antimicrobial resistance in this organism. This type of research will, in turn, form the basis for developing new antimicrobials for treating infections caused by Campylobacter. A single reliable testing method will also allow researchers and policy makers to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness of older antibiotics, by monitoring changes in antimicrobial susceptibility over time. Improved surveillance will enable policy makers to better identify sources of resistant organisms infecting humans and animals, and implement intervention strategies to limit their spread. In addition, the standardized agar dilution test will serve as a reference point for developing appropriate interpretive criteria and for validating other Campylobacter testing methods both within the United States and internationally. Towards this end, the CVM scientists have been teaching the method to microbiologists from human and veterinary State diagnostic laboratories, and research institutions, including governmental institutions, from the United States and Mexico.

EXCELLENCE IN REVIEW SCIENCE

Harlan J. Howard, Ph.D.

For leadership in creating scientific standards, where none existed previously, in evaluating effectiveness and animal safety for reproductive agents used in food animals.

Dr. Howard’s efforts, direction, and leadership have established current scientific standards for reproductive products in livestock species by approving new products for existing claims (e.g., estrous synchronization) and novel reproductive claims. Establishment of these standards provides the template that personnel from FDA/CVM and the regulated industry can follow for appropriate study design and for conduct of effectiveness and animal safety studies. The public benefits from these approvals and novel approaches because food is produced more economically which keeps food affordable and increases profits for farmers. Animal health benefits because synchronized estrus produces a uniform offspring crop that will be vaccinated, dewormed, fed and processed in a way that maximizes the health and well-being of the animal.