MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Canine Respiratory Disease – What Can be Done at MU VMDL?

A mysterious or atypical canine infectious respiratory disease has been reported in 12 states across the United States. At present, we are not aware of any confirmed cases in Missouri. According to studies conducted in Oregon and New Hampshire, the causative agent could be a virus or a non-culturable bacterial species, similar to IOLA KY405, a bacterium associated with human respiratory disease reported in 2021.

The MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory conducts bacterial and fungal culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as PCR for adenovirus, distemper virus, and influenza virus. When known bacterial, fungal, and viral agents cannot be detected, the VMDL can conduct metagenomic sequencing of clinical samples to investigate potential causes of the illness.

When you submit samples, please be sure to include several swabs from each canine patient to support bacteriology, PCR, virus isolation, and sequencing. We will use one swab for PCR and virus isolation, one swab for culture, and one swab for sequencing.

For PCR, virus isolation, and sequencing (two separate samples preferred): Swabs must be kept moist. Copan E-swabs with liquid media are acceptable, but gel swabs are not. Synthetic swabs in a red top tube with sterile saline may be used when E-swabs are not readily available. Swabs from multiple locations may be pooled together in the same tube (nasal cavity, oropharynx).

For bacteriology and mycology (one sample): nasal swabs in appropriate media (liquid Amies or equivalent) as well as other types of respiratory tract samples (transtracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage) may be used.

Sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analysis takes one to two weeks. To help the veterinarians and owners of canine patients, the MU VMDL will not charge for sequencing and bioinformatic analysis related to atypical canine infectious respiratory disease. Clinics and owners will be responsible for the charges associated with routine testing for known infectious agents.

General questions regarding canine respiratory testing at the MU VMDL may be directed to Client Services Veterinarian Lauren Delaney, DVM, at 573-882-8367 or delaneyle@missouri.edu.

MU VMDL Receives National Animal Health Laboratory Network Level 1 Status

The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine has again received Level 1 status as awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Laboratory Network. As a Level 1 lab, the VMDL works closely with producers, state and federal animal health officials, and other network laboratories to protect animal and public health through accurate and timely diagnosis and surveillance of foreign, emerging, and reemerging animal disease and zoonotic diseases. The VMDL initially achieved Level 1 status in 2018.

NAHLN is a nationally coordinated network and partnership of federal, state, and university-associated animal health laboratories. The network laboratories provide animal health diagnostic testing, methods research and development, and expertise for education and extension to detect biological threats to the nation’s animal agriculture, protecting animal health, public health, and the food supply.

The VMDL is Missouri’s only facility that is a Level 1 NAHLN laboratory, fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and a Tier 1 Laboratory of the Food and Drug Administration Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network.

“The VMDL is committed to protecting animal health, public health, food safety and food security, and promoting interstate commerce and global trade for animal agriculture,” said Shuping Zhang, PhD, MS, DACVM, director of the VMDL.

By Nick Childress

HPAI, NPIP, and Poultry Diagnostics

To support Missouri’s poultry industry, the VMDL offers real-time PCR assays for Avian Influenza virus, Newcastle Disease virus, Mycoplasma, and many more pathogens. Diagnostic results are available within 1 business day.  Please contact the following individuals if you need assistance:

Dr. Delaney, Client Care Veterinarian, for FedEx shipping labels and special accommodations, 573-882-6811

Dr. Wole, Molecular Diagnostician, for PCR-related technical questions, 573-884-9257

Dr. Maria Dashek, Avian Pathologist, for HPAI and all NPIP work, 573-882-2130 Dr. Steve Strubberg (MO State Vet) for suspect HPAI/ND cases.

Message from the Director

The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory and Missouri’s only laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The VMDL is a Level I Lab of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, Tier I Lab of the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Response Network, and a National Poultry Improvement Plan authorized lab. The VMDL maintains an effective quality assurance and quality control program.

The VMDL has formal anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and clinical microbiology training programs. The VMDL faculty hold academic appointments in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. The director is administratively responsible to the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for the overall operation of the laboratory and its multiple missions of public service, teaching, research and continuing education/extension.

The VMDL faculty and staff work diligently to provide relevant, timely and cost-effective diagnostic services to our clients and to create a positive learning environment for our students and residents. In 2021, the VMDL processed approximately 55,756 accessions and performed more than 162,000 diagnostic tests. The diagnostic service was utilized by veterinarians and owners in 105 counties in Missouri and 43 US states and Canadian provinces.

About the MU VMDL

The VMDL is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The VMDL provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center.

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