SPADA Book - April 11, 2017

Considerations for Implementing Sequencing for BioWatch Laboratory Operations

Dr. Vikram V. Munikoti LT, U.S. Public Health Service Deputy Director of BioWatch Laboratory Operations Office of Health Affairs Department of Homeland Security Vikram.Munikoti@hq.dhs.gov March 15, 2017

BioWatch is a Critical Layer of Our Nation’s BioDefense

BioWatch Overview • Operates a network of aerosol collectors at more than 600 sites (including 50+ indoor sites) working 24x7x365 • Analyzes more than 230,000 samples per year across more than 30 major metropolitan areas that have deemed to be at the greatest risk for a bioterrorism event • Creates a forum for local, state and federal stakeholders to share all types of relevant data and information during a biological event • Provides a critical layer of biodefense to National Special Security Events and Special Events (Supported 114 in 2015- 2016) a critical la • bio • Conducts an extensive Quality Assurance Program, enhancing defensibility and confidence in BioWatch results. > 35,800 QA samples have been analyzed since 2011 Provides early warning to the majority of the US population in 30+ jurisdictions from a bioterrorism attack

The BioWatch Story • The BioWatch Program’s critical mission is to operate a nationwide, aerosol detection system providing early warning across all levels of government to support public health and emergency management communities to prepare for and respond to a biological incident • The program was started in 2003 • The program’s success is due to an extraordinary network composed of federal, state and local stakeholders

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