Aug. 11, 2026
Under the ‘Scope Summer 2026
Welcome, Dr. Tirth Uprety! Dr. Tirth Uprety joined the University of Missouri Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in January 2026 as assistant professor and section head of molecular diagnostics. Originally from Nepal, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tribhuvan University before completing an MS in biological sciences/microbiology at South Dakota State University and a PhD in veterinary science at the University of Kentucky. Prior to joining Mizzou, he served as section head of the Next-Generation Sequencing and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and also worked in biotech startup in the field of…
May 27, 2026
Under the ‘Scope Spring 2026
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…
March 8, 2026
Under the ‘Scope Winter 2026
Tularemia in a Juvenile Feral Cat Tularemia is a highly infectious, zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Rodents and rabbits are particularly susceptible to infection and can transmit the disease to humans or domestic animals through direct contact. Other routes of exposure include tick and deer fly bites, drinking contaminated water, or inhaling contaminated dust or aerosols. Because of its potential use as an agent of bioterrorism, tularemia is considered a federal select agent. Outdoor cats are typically infected by hunting/consuming infected rodents, hares, or rabbits which results in the ulceroglandular or oropharyngeal form of the disease. Typical clinical signs include high fever, anorexia, skin…
Nov. 11, 2025
Under the ‘Scope Fall 2025
Dr. Susan Moore Speaks at the Rabies in the Americas Conference Dr. Susan Moore represented the CVM October 19th- 24th at the Rabies in the Americas conference in Lima, Peru. Her talk focused on finding practical, alternative ways to gather rabies testing data in under-resourced, high-risk areas — work that supports stronger vaccination programs and saves lives around the world. VMDL Pathologists and Residents Showcase Strong Anatomic Pathology Program at Annual ACVP Meeting The VMDL anatomic pathology team made a strong impression at this year’s meeting, and we are proud to share their outstanding contributions—a true testament to…
Aug. 12, 2025
Under the ‘Scope Summer 2025
Coming soon: 2025-26 VMDL fee guide An updated list of our services and fees is coming soon! Keep an eye out and be ready to update your system with our new prices, which are effective Sept. 1, 2025. New service offerings include: The following tests have been temporarily discontinued: Drop-off location update Our Anatomic Pathology and Receiving sections have moved into the new VMDL Phase I facility. To drop off a sample during business hours, please proceed to the south side of the new building and look for the below entrance. A few client parking spaces…
March 13, 2025
Under the ‘Scope Spring 2025
Under the Scope is the VMDL's quarterly newsletter.Under the Scope is the VMDL's quarterly newsletter.
Nov. 3, 2024
Under the ‘Scope Fall 2024
VMDL Faculty and Residents Attend Annual AAVLD Meeting in Nashville Several faculty members and residents traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend the 67th annual AAVLD meeting in October. Attendees joined over 1,200 of their colleagues from around the nation to address the latest issues in animal health and learn about the latest research and information in disease eradication and control. Below is a list of presentations and posters they contributed to the proceedings. We are so proud of their accomplishments! New Clinical Pathology Testing Available The clinical pathology laboratory has two new test additions. Serum fructosamine for dogs…
Aug. 8, 2024
Under the ‘Scope Summer 2024
Message from the Director: An Update on HPAI in Dairy Cattle Since February 2022, the VMDL has been working with poultry producers and the Missouri Department of Agriculture to detect and control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial poultry. In March 2024, the same virus H5N1 Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b was detected in dairy cattle. The cattle cases are likely originating from migratory birds carrying the virus. The virus can also spread to different dairy farms through cattle movement and to nearby poultry farms. It is clear that bacteria and viruses do not respect borders or…
May 6, 2024
Under the ‘Scope Spring 2024
Mizzou VMDL Expands Rabies Testing Services The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab is now offering human rabies serology titer testing. The VMDL uses a rapid fluorescent foci inhibition test or RFFIT — a serum neutralization test that measures the ability of rabies specific antibodies to neutralize the rabies virus and prevent it from infecting cells. This identifies an individual’s rabies antibody titer, which is an estimation of an immune response against the rabies virus. These are used to check and monitor immunity from previously acquired rabies vaccinations for people at an elevated risk…
Feb. 5, 2024
Under the ‘Scope Winter 2024
A Message from the Director Happy New Year, all! First, I would like to take a moment to thank all clients and stakeholders for your continued support of the VMDL. Looking back, we had a challenging and yet successful 2023. The VMDL processed approximately 64,924 accessions and performed more than 207,026 laboratory tests, including 47,262 tests for foreign animal disease and public health surveillance. The diagnostic service was utilized by veterinarians, owners, and researchers from 110 Missouri counties and independent cities and 28 other states. In addition, the VMDL retained full accreditation by AAVLD, NAHLN Level…