At the University of Missouri, excellence in veterinary diagnostics means more than accurate results — it means protecting animal and human health across the state and beyond.
The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is Missouri’s only laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), a distinction that reflects our commitment to quality, reliability and continuous improvement. Accreditation verifies that our procedures meet rigorous national standards for precision, biosafety and accountability.
As a Level I Laboratory in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), a Tier I Laboratory in the FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), and a certified laboratory under the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), the VMDL plays a critical role in detecting and responding to emerging animal diseases and safeguarding the nation’s food supply. Every test we perform strengthens the health of animals, people and the economy we all share.
Fully accredited by American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD)
The AAVLD is a global leader in advancing veterinary diagnostic laboratory science to promote animal health and the principles of One Health. Accreditation is a voluntary, third-party-reviewed process that formally recognizes laboratories for their technical competence, quality assurance and adherence to internationally accepted standards.
Level 1 Laboratory of USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)
NAHLN laboratories provide diagnostic testing, research and expertise to detect biological threats to U.S. animal agriculture. As a Level I lab, the VMDL supports animal health, public health and food safety by ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to emerging and foreign animal diseases.
Tier I Laboratory of the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN)
Vet-LIRN promotes animal and human health through collaboration among veterinary diagnostic laboratories nationwide. Tier I labs like the VMDL help the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine investigate potential problems with regulated products — including feeds, drugs and supplements — while building scientific capacity for routine and emergency response.
Certified by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)
Established in the 1930s, the NPIP is a cooperative federal, state and industry program designed to improve poultry and poultry products through disease control and diagnostic innovation. As a certified NPIP lab, the VMDL provides reliable testing and surveillance to support poultry health and industry standards across the country.
USDA-approved Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Laboratory
The USDA approves laboratories to perform official testing for equine infectious anemia (EIA), a reportable viral disease of horses. As a USDA-approved EIA laboratory, the VMDL conducts official ELISA and AGID EIA testing to support disease surveillance, regulatory compliance and the safe movement of horses across state lines.