Scientists in diagnostic investigations are de- 

 veloping methods to identify the causative agents 

 of infectious foreign animal diseases and meth- 

 ods to detect infected animals. They also are ex- 

 ploring possible relationships between certain 

 existing domestic diseases and foreign diseases 

 through cross-protection and serologic tests. 



Scientists in immunological investigations 

 check the response of animals infected with or 

 vaccinated against disease agents. Research is 

 conducted on the antibodies that protect against 

 disease. Serum is separated into elemental com- 

 ponents, which are then analyzed by serological, 

 chemical, and animal-testing techniques. 



A major function of this section is the develop- 

 ment and testing of vaccines appropriate for use 

 in the event established disease-eradication pro- 

 cedures should fail to control invasions of for- 

 eign diseases. These studies involve chemical 

 inactivation of virus and development of critical 

 tests to determine the safety and potency of vac- 

 cines produced. Such research requires the vac- 

 cination of many animals and the study of their 

 immunitv Ijv serological and challenge methods. 



Scientists in microbiological investigations 

 study the susceptibility of various species of ani- 

 mals to virus diseases, explore ways in which the 

 diseases spread, and determine in what organs 

 and tissues virus may be found. They trace the 

 survival of virus in meat, blood, semen, and other 

 animal products. From the results of these 

 studies, the Department of Agriculture is able to 

 assess the hazards of importing animal materials 

 from foreign countries in which dangerous dis- 

 eases exist. Scientists also study the effects of 

 chemical and physical environments on viruses, 

 thus contributing to knowledge regarding meth- 

 ods of virus inactivation. disinfection of contami- 

 nated materials and premises, and sun'ival of 

 virus under various conditions. Such informa- 

 tion is vital in the prevention of disease and in 

 eradication of outbreaks. 



Technician dispenses kidney cells into tissue- 

 culture bottles. 



SERVICE 



The laboratory provides two types of service: 



• Local support for the research program. 



• Technical support to Federal agencies en- 

 gaged in control and eradication of animal 

 diseases. 



Because of its isolation, the laboratoiy main- 

 tains all services needed to support its own re- 

 search. It employs an administrative staff, engi- 

 neers, animal caretakers, maintenance men, a 

 safety staff, guards, firemen, and other workers. 



The Office of the Director provides over- 

 all guidance and management for the research 

 and supporting groups. 



Administrative management services in- 

 clude personnel work, procurement and delivery 

 of supplies, and operation of food, photographic, 

 and duplicating services. 



The safety group places major emphasis on 

 preventing the escape of disease agents from the 



