CPB 69700 RESEARCH SEMINAR

DEPARTMENT OF COMPARATIVE PATHOBIOLOGY

Tracy Vemulapalli, DVM, MS

Clinical Assistant Professor

Director, Animal Health Biosafety Laboratory

Department of Comparative Pathobiology

Purdue University

"AHBL: Upcoming Resource for Infectious Disease Research at Purdue”

Thurs., September 25, 2008

VPTH 112

3:30 pm

ABSTRACT:

Safeguarding both human and animal populations from potentially deadly diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), anthrax, and other emerging diseases drives the need for research facilities with the capability to house these pathogenic microorganisms. Construction on Purdue’s newly established Animal Health Biosafety Laboratory (AHBL) is set to begin in early 2009. This exciting new biocontainment facility will incorporate diagnostic, necropsy, and research space designed to safely and effectively work with Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) microorganisms. This facility will be the first of its kind on Purdue’s campus that will enable the housing of research animals (i.e., both large and small animals) in a BSL3 containment environment. Dr. Vemulapalli will give an overview of the mission of the AHBL, the different biosafety levels, use of Select Agents, proposed facility amenities, and the regulatory requirements for working in the facility. The progress/timeline for construction will also be discussed.