But it also highlights the preparedness of many animal health labs, which — unlike public health labs — have been buttressed by federal grants to be bulwarks against outbreaks that could cripple livestock and poultry industries. Although several others want to help, regulations have stood in the way, said David Zeman, executive director of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, which accredits animal health labs. Labs running human coronavirus tests must be certified by a group that accredits human labs and have FDA-approved equipment. Some animal labs have come up with workarounds, such as the one at Oregon State University, which partnered with a human lab to share resources. Four nights a week, Hagen rushes home from his day job to briefly see his three children, then heads to the animal health lab to help out.

Source: Washington Post May 12, 2020 12:03 UTC