During July 2024, AASV was awarded a grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Disease Response and Preparedness program to provide funding to stakeholders who facilitate Certified Swine Sample Collector (CSSC) training.
Having individuals trained to assist with sample collection on farms of all sizes is essential to facilitate a faster foreign animal disease (FAD) response. Collecting high quality samples on the farm and sending them to the laboratory in a timely fashion will speed up response efforts, assist with FAD diagnosis, and help facilitate business continuity for farms free of infection. Funds from this grant will help build sample collection capacity through training of producers, caretakers, veterinary staff, extension personnel, and animal health officials. While category II accredited veterinarians are required to perform the actual training according to the CSSC program standards, other veterinarians, state animal health officials (SAHOs), state pork associations, and university extension personnel can help organize or facilitate CSSC trainings to help producers of all sizes prepare for an FAD outbreak and response.
Veterinarians, SAHOs, state pork associations, and extension personnel are eligible to apply for CSSC training program funds by submitting an application before October 15, 2024. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the training description, training compliance with the program standards, the training evaluation process, and cost effectiveness of the training. Various types of approaches, including a group approach or on a farm-by-farm basis, are eligible for funding support. Stakeholders selected to receive funds will have until October 1, 2025, to complete their CSSC training sessions and submit a final report to receive reimbursement.
Who can apply for funds?
- Veterinarians
- State animal health officials
- State pork associations
- University extension personnel
How do I apply?
Complete and submit an application by e-mail to zaabel@aasv.org September 1-October 15, 2024.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the CSSC scoring rubric.
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
Eligible expenses for reimbursement are listed here.
When can I host a training?
Stakeholders selected to receive funds will have until October 1, 2025, to complete their CSSC training sessions.
How am I reimbursed?
Once the CSSC training is complete, funding recipients are required to submit a final report to receive reimbursement.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Pam Zaabel at zaabel@aasv.org.
