Animal and Public Health Protection Act

“10409A. National animal health laboratory network

“(a) Definition of eligible laboratory—In this section, the term eligible laboratory means a diagnostic laboratory that meets specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials, State veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories at institutions of higher education.

“(b) Contracts—The Secretary shall offer to enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories—

“(1) to enhance the capability of the Secretary—

“(A) to detect, and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing threats to animal health; and

“(B) to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy of the United States;

“(2) to provide the capacity and capability for standardized—

“(A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment;

“(B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels;

“(C) quality management system requirements;

“(D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and

“(E) evaluation for emergency preparedness; and

“(3) to coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach.

“(c) Priority—To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible laboratories at existing Federal facilities, State facilities, and facilities at institutions of higher education.

“(d) Authorization of appropriations—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.”