On the National Level, after many trials and tribulations, the issue of an accurate positive control has been resolved. Agdia has sent out a new positive control and protocol that was developed in Spain and all indications at this point seem to be that it is a go. The laboratories involved in the National PPV Surveillance Program should have received the protocol and positive control material. Contact with several virologists across the country indicate that the new version seems to be giving excellent positive readings. Most all states are up and running with the survey program.
Cooperative agreements have for the most part been completed and work is well underway.
Enclosed with this report is an attachment that outlines the status of the survey for the PPQ Eastern Region states. Hopefully in next week's report, the status of survey in both the PPQ Central and Western Regions can be included. Telephones, data lines, equipment, furniture, etc. continue to arrive. It is anticipated that the office will officially open during the week of June12th dependent on the arrival of the above items. Until the meantime, continue to contact Gary Clement, National PPV Operations Director at the Harrisburg, PA PPQ Office.