Grants and Contributions:
The first component will optimize and validate tools to identify multiple species of insects, bacteria and fungi from environmental samples. This will enhance the uptake of barcoding as a diagnostic or research tool in a regulatory setting.
The second component will optimize and validate identification of environmental samples to quickly and accurately detect Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and related species of regulatory importance. This work will ultimately garner baseline data in an efficient manner on HWA life stages and natural predators in Ontario.
The third component will process and analyze samples of various mediums like birds' nests, soil, seeds, plants and insect parts. This research will assess the risk associated with the shipping vessel pathway and will subsequently contribute to risk mitigation.
The fourth component will identify Culicoides species from whole-DNA genome sequencing and viral and/or bacterial agents carried by individual hosts from environmental samples. Culicoides species are a known vector for many important agents of exotic diseases such as bluetongue (BT) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD). This research could ultimately lead to the creation of rapid-tests to modernize diagnostic testing for adherence to the Canadian regulatory regime and for trade purposes.
The Federal Assistance Program enables the Agency to support projects and initiatives led by external organizations that advance CFIA's core responsibility for safe food and healthy plants and animals.