Michele Adams, REDI-NET UND lab manager, joined the team led by Dr. Emily McDermott at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA) for training on the new REDI-NET vDNA field sampling SOPs. This training complemented an earlier training this month where the team from UADA visited Notre Dame to learn more about the already established REDI-NET SOPs. As a commitment to its stakeholders, REDI-NET continues to develop and engage in training to strengthen the standardization, collaboration, and communication between REDI-NET laboratories as they carry out REDI-NET SOPs.
The objectives of this trip were to:
-
Perform environmental and vertebrate sampling SOPs for the collection of ticks, filth-flies, and manure
-
Understand the logistical aspects of field sampling, from creating cartons for capturing filth flies to preparing and organizing supplies for field sampling
-
Beta-test the newly updated mobile application for field sampling
-
Observe basic morphology used in the identification of field-collected flies using the Dinoscope
A ventral view of a deer fly(Chrysops)which will feed on cattle, deer and humans. Image taken by the Dinoscope. 
Emily McDermott (UADA, REDI-NET Co-PI) performing a net sweep to capture filth flies from manure in the pasture 
Michele Adams (UND) and Anna Grace Deakins (UADA) collecting manure samples under the oversight of Cameron Osborne (UADA)