One Health Lab Added to list of approved labs for export to China
The VMDL’s One Health-Rabies Laboratory (OHL) continues to expand its global reach in rabies serology testing. The laboratory was recently added to the list of approved laboratories for pet export to China and is now authorized to perform rabies serology testing for pets being exported there. In addition, the OHL’s application for export testing approval for Japan has been submitted and is currently under review.
In 2025, the OHL was awarded the bid to serve as the CDC’s contracted laboratory for an international proficiency testing program. The program supports approval of international laboratories conducting rabies serology testing for dogs intended for import into the United States. The One Health Laboratory plans to fully assume the program and continue providing international proficiency testing to help support high-quality rabies serology testing worldwide.
As the lab continues to grow, its commitment to quality and customer service remains unchanged. For all testing performed in the OHL, including both human and animal rabies serology, the laboratory consistently maintains a 7–10 business day turnaround time while delivering reliable, high-quality results for clients around the world.
Tick season is here: Don’t forget to check blood smears for hemoparasites
Tick season brings an increased risk of hemoparasite infections in both companion animals and livestock, making blood smear evaluation an important diagnostic tool for patients presenting with vague or nonspecific clinical signs.
The blood smear above is from an eight-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat who presented for lethargy and decreased appetite. Approximately 10–15 erythrocytes per 100x objective field contain round to oval protozoal piroplasms measuring 1–2 micrometers in diameter with an eccentric purple-stained region and light blue center. These organisms are morphologically most consistent with Cytauxzoon felis.
The second blood smear is from a two-month-old Scottish Highland calf who presented for unwillingness to stand and diarrhea. Many erythrocytes (approximately 20–30 per high-power field) contain pleomorphic, ring- to fusiform-shaped light blue to purple inclusions measuring approximately 1.5–4 micrometers in length. These inclusions are most consistent with Theileria species.
Because Theileria species cannot be differentiated from Babesia species based on morphology alone, PCR testing was performed. PCR for Theileria orientalis was positive, confirming the diagnosis. The image on the left also shows a single Howell-Jolly body (bottom center), while the image on the right illustrates basophilic stippling (top left).
As tick activity increases, remember to prepare blood smears for patients with compatible clinical signs. The Clinical Pathology section at the VMDL is happy to assist with evaluation. The laboratory offers a $25 blood parasite exam and a $48 comprehensive smear exam with full interpretation.
More than 70 veterinarians and students utilize rabies serology booth at MVMA Annual Conference
For the second consecutive year, the VMDL OHL partnered with the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) to provide on-site rabies antibody titer testing during the MVMA Annual Conference. Thanks to close coordination among the One Health team, the VMDL business office, the MVMA program coordinator and an experienced phlebotomist, the booth operated with a smooth and efficient workflow throughout the event.
More than 70 conference attendees took advantage of the convenient, member-discounted service over the course of two days, marking an increase in participation from the previous year. Participants included practicing veterinarians as well as CVM students preparing for clinical rotations, reflecting the ongoing need for timely and accessible rabies vaccination compliance across the profession.
To further support attendees, professionals from MU Student Health were available during one day of the conference to administer rabies vaccine boosters for individuals whose titers fell below the recommended level.
The rabies titer booth was enthusiastically received and reinforced VMDL’s commitment to practical laboratory services that support veterinary professionals and students. This collaborative One Health effort continues to provide meaningful value to the veterinary community by making rabies compliance more accessible, convenient and efficient.
Nationwide shortage of EIA test forms: Electronic alternatives available
Due to a nationwide shortage of carbon-copy EIA forms (VS Form 10-11), accredited veterinarians are encouraged to transition to approved electronic alternatives for EIA testing submissions.
The Mizzou VMDL currently accepts the following electronic platforms:
- GVL (GlobalVetLink): fee-based service
- VSPS (Veterinary Services Process Streamlining): free option
Note: The VMDL will not accept carbon-copy forms older than February 2018.
Electronic submission platforms offer several advantages over traditional carbon-copy forms, including faster form completion, the ability to upload digital patient photographs and immediate availability of results. With no timeline announced for future availability of VS Form 10-11, veterinarians are encouraged to consider switching to an electronic platform now.
For questions about EIA testing at the VMDL, please contact the serology section at 573-884-9280.