News

Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) pooled PCR testing will no longer be performed as of January 1, 2026. The BLV PCR for individual samples and serology… More

From the Fall 2025 Newsletter: A 3-year-old male, yellow, Labrador Retriever had a history of panting, lethargy and vomiting blood 1-2 days prior to death.… More

Beginning August 4, 2025, the NDSU VDL will update its swine PCR testing options. The current singleplex assay for porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) and the multiplex… More

From the Summer Newsletter: A fecal sample was submitted to NDSU VDL from a 10-day-old crossbred calf with moderate diarrhea that has persisted for 2-3… More

Johne’s Collection Container Requirements Starting July 1, 2026, we will REQUIRE fecal samples/specimens submitted for Johne’s PCR to be sent in rigid plastic, leak-proof, sterile,… More

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NDSU-VDL) Seminar is a day-long continuing education event hosted by NDSU VDL faculty and staff in person on the NDSU… More

From the Spring 2025 Newsletter: A 1-month-old, female, Red Angus calf is presented for necropsy. The clinical history states that 2 calves out of 100… More

Due to fraudulent use, we have suspended our discount UPS shipping program. We will post updates when this issue is resolved. UPS at normal shipping… More

All submissions for testing with >30 samples must be labeled so each sample/specimen has a consecutive sample number (1, 2, 3,...) listed on the tube… More

From the Winter 2025 Newsletter: Two similar skin biopsies were submitted for histopathology. What do you think has caused the difference between the two photos?… More

Winter is upon us here in the northern plains. With frigid temperatures, we see the greatest impacts to unspun blood samples and formalin fixed tissues.… More

All samples submitted with needles included in the packaging will be immediately rejected. This includes needles attached to syringes or submitted for disposal in the… More

Case History A producer with 60 crossbred sheep recently weaned lambs three to four days prior to case submission. The entire flock had been dewormed… More

Congratulations to Dr. Quynn Steichen for achieving the status of Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). ACVP is the American Veterinary Medical… More

An unvaccinated, 4-month-old, red, male, crossbred pig was presented for autopsy. The pig was nonresponsive and was euthanized. What is the underlying cause? Click here for the… More

Due to continually increasing costs of materials, there will be fee increases on some NDSU VDL services starting July 1, 2024. As always, be sure… More

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was recently detected in cattle. Visit the USDA website for more information: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock  The NDSU VDL is approved to perform… More

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NDSU-VDL) Seminar is a day-long continuing education event hosted by NDSU VDL faculty at the Carrington REC. Its purpose is… More

From the Spring 2024 Newsletter! An 8-year-old, male neutered domestic shorthaired cat with a history of hypercalcemia, constipation, chronic renal insufficiency, congenital heart murmur, congenital… More

The laboratory is transitioning from traditional phones to Zoom phones beginning on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. While we do not expect major interruptions to service,… More

From the Winter 2024 Newsletter! An 8-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog. Presented to emergency services deceased. What is the underlying cause? Click here for the… More

From the Fall 2023 Newsletter: An adult cat died under anesthesia. What is the underlying cause? Click here for the answer!  More

Access to the old client portal account (for cases received prior to March, 2022) will no longer be available after September 30, 2023. Please download… More

Dear NDSU VDL Clients: Recently, the Fargo-Moorhead area and nearby communities have been experiencing an outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Local veterinarians… More

Laboratory submitters may have noticed a familiar name reappearing on our reports in recent weeks. Dr. Brett Webb has rejoined the NDSU VDL workforce as… More

Anthrax, disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, has been confirmed in cattle from North Dakota. Anthrax is endemic and naturally occurring in North Dakota;… More

From the Summer 2023 Newsletter: The liver of an aborted lamb contains multiple white circular foci along the surface extending into the parenchyma on section.… More

Due to increasing costs of materials and labor, there will be fee increases on some NDSU VDL services starting July 1, 2023. As always, be… More

Please note that due to summer staffing shortages, there will be no serologic testing on Fridays. As of June 1, the summer test schedule will… More

The NDSU-VDL does not perform testing on animal products intended for human consumption. This applies to all test methods performed at the laboratory. Submissions with… More

Fence Post Article from the April 2023 issue of North Dakota Stockman Kelli Maddock, MS, MLS(ASCP)M; Senior Research Scholar- NDSU VDL Heidi Pecoraro, DVM, PhD,… More

This image displays what was observed during a necropsy of a puppy. What is your diagnosis and the etiology? Click here to view the answer!More

The North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) invites applications for a Diagnostic Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist. Duties can be performed remotely or on-site at… More

The North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NDSU VDL) invites applications for a non-tenure track position as a Veterinary Diagnostician. Primary responsibilities include interfacing… More

Thirty-five recently purchased feeder piglets show signs of ill-thrift and diarrhea. One 4-month-old female piglet is submitted for general investigation. There is thickened and necrotic… More

Common anaerobic pathogens include Actinomyces sp., Clostridium perfringens, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides fragilis. Oftentimes, ordering an anaerobic culture can be overlooked. Situations where an anaerobic… More

As of October 28, 2022 the NDSU-VDL will no longer perform the bovine rotavirus test by fluorescent antibody methodology. The bovine diarrhea PCR panel is… More

This image is from the coelomic cavity of an adult layer chicken. What is your diagnosis? What other condition(s) may cause multifocal lesions in the… More

Beginning October 1st, all cytology slides prepared from aspirates, fluid collection, swabs, scrapes, and smears will be evaluated by a board-certified clinical pathologist using the… More

Dr. Deborah Chong is the NDSU-VDL’s newest anatomic veterinary pathologist. After… More

To our mink feed clients: As of June 2022 the NDSU-VDL no longer performs mink feed cultures. Extensive labor is required to process and interpret… More

Although Dr. Broughton left last spring to join the faculty at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, he sent me two last photos… More

Due to rising cost of materials and reagents, prices on some tests will increase July 1, 2022. For over five years, the NDSU VDL has… More

As of June 1, 2022, cases submitted to the NDSU-VDL for ONLY referral test requests (no in-house tests requested), pricing will be as follows: Accessioning… More

Emergency services are no longer available during weekends and holidays. For herd health emergences contact the pathologist at ndsu.vetlab.path@ndsu.edu. For submission of samples and small… More

The NDSU-VDL is pleased to announce a return of our Continuing Education (CE) Seminar! The Seminar will be offered as in-person, virtually, or recorded sessions.… More

Front hooves from a 7-year-old horse. Possible causes for this condition? Click here for the answer!More

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in North Dakota. The NDSU-VDL is now activated as an avian influenza testing laboratory by the National… More

The North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is modernizing our Laboratory Information Management System We will begin transitioning to our new Laboratory Information Management… More

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in several U.S. commercial poultries, backyard flocks, and wild birds. View the USDA-APHIS news release here. Any commercial… More

Until further notice, the complete blood count (CBC) will be a referral test. Referral tests incur an accession fee of $10, an additional fee of… More

From the January 2022 Newsletter: The image is from a one-year-old male dog that has not been bred. History of wound on toe one week… More

To our laboratory clients currently utilizing fax services: Please be advised that as of January 31st close of business, we will be changing Laboratory Information… More

The… More

Due to supplier issues, we are currently unable to perform the Brucella canis RSAT/2ME-RSAT in-house; therefore, this assay will be a referral test until further… More

A producer notices there have been quite a few abortions in heifers that are due to calve in 8 to 10 weeks. Out of 50… More

Samples from a New Jersey cat tested positive for Francisella tularensis (tularemia) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on Wednesday, September 29. The indoor/outdoor cat presented… More

Our bovine Tritrichomonas guide has been updated! Please review the guide for collection and submission tips! View the link.More

Samples from cattle in central North Dakota tested positive for Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic… More

What's your diagnosis? What are the key features… More

 Antibiograms are cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) reports of bacterial isolates used to show current resistance and to compare resistance trends over time. They are useful… More

Samples MUST be labeled with the sample number (1, 2, 3, etc.) that corresponds with the identification form. To avoid processing delays, samples must be… More

Samples from a bull and a cow from central North Dakota tested positive for Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the North… More

Nitrate toxicosis is a concern for livestock and can occur when animals ingest forage or feed (or water) with a high nitrate content. The NDSU-VDL… More

Drinking water quality for livestock is essential for animal health and production. Read the Livestock Water Publication now available on the VDL Resources page! Publication… More

When screening for causes of mucopurulent discharge in horses, both bacterial and viral pathogens should be considered. The NDSU-VDL now offers a test panel at… More

Do you know a pre-medical laboratory science (MLS) or pre-veterinary student who is looking to gain laboratory/veterinary work experience? The NDSU-VDL is now hiring part-time… More

The Mycotoxin screen previously offered by the NDSU-VDL has been expanded to include Fumonisin B3, DAS, 15-ADON, and 3-ADON. The price of this screen has… More

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) forms – The Serology Lab will be performing daily EIA ELISA testing through September. Remember that U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines… More

The photo is from an aborted, 43 cm, crown to rump (third trimester) Boer goat fetus. What’s your diagnosis? Underlying cause?   Click here for… More

This is a one-year position, annually renewable up to three years with a strong emphasis on diagnostic medicine. The goal of this training program is… More

With continued drought conditions in the region and rising temperatures, we would like to share a reminder to monitor water sources for the presence of… More

We now offer the bovine diarrhea PCR panel, which includes targets for bovine coronavirus, rotavirus, and Cryptosporidium parvum. The bovine diarrhea panel is available for animals… More

Our chemistry panels (large animal, small animal, and equine) and T4 (thyroxine) are now available in-house again. Please see our test pages for updated information.More

Happy Lab Week! You won't see your laboratory professionals when you visit your veterinarian, but we are an important part of the diagnostic team. We… More

From the February 2021 Newsletter: Inflammation in the… More

The photo is from an adult, domestic long haired, barn cat who was euthanized after losing weight and exhibiting incoordination and other neurologic signs. Another… More

Effective February 19, 2021: The “Individual” or “Pool (up to 5 in pool)” test requests on the submission sheet must be checked for each submission.… More

From the December 2020 Newsletter: Nearly 400 rabies tests… More

Samples to include for optimal results: Fresh and formalin-fixed placenta Whole fetus/neonate (recommended) or fresh and fixed tissues, including: Fresh brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney,… More

From the December 2020 Newsletter: Multifocal to coalescing granulomas in the renal cortex (A) contain central cores of necrosis admixed with… More

From the December 2020 Newsletter: Cross-sections of adult nematodes in the spinal cord of a 3-year-old alpaca. Axonal degeneration (arrow) and… More

The NDSU-VDL now offers a whole blood test for selenium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Antemortem whole blood (EDTA or heparin) selenium is… More

The laboratory will be closed on the following dates: Thursday, December 24th at noon Friday December 25th- all day Friday, January 1st- all day  … More

Chemistry, electrolyte and complete blood count offerings and test prices have changed! Please visit our test pages to review pricing and analytes offered. Complete blood… More

From the December 2020 NDSU-VDL newsletter, a guest column by Karl Hoppe, Extension Livestock Systems Specialist, NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center: Recently, I was visiting… More

From the December 2020 newsletter: The photo is from a 700-pound beef calf that died after exhibiting neurologic signs. The calf had been treated with… More

With cold weather in the area, it is important to consider effects of freezing on samples sent to the laboratory for testing. Certain samples may… More

The information below is to help explain guidelines, policies, and deadlines for PCR submissions coming into the Molecular Diagnostics section. As always, please call the… More

From the Summer 2020 Newsletter: The case for this issue is from an adult cat that mysteriously died at home. The owner performed the autopsy… More

Due to the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, turnaround times may be impacted. We will always do our best to get results in a timely manner; however,… More

Antibiograms are cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) reports of select bacterial isolates intended to show resistance trends over time. They are useful in monitoring antimicrobial… More

From the September 2020 Newsletter:   This photo is from the autopsy of a 1-year-old, male intact, domestic short-haired cat with a history of progressing… More

Three cattle (one bull, two cows) from western North Dakota tested positive for Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the laboratory Tuesday,… More

From the June 2020 Newsletter: The other case of neonatal disease is from a 10-day-old female Quarterhorse foal that became recumbent and died after being… More

Former North Dakota state senator, Bill Bowman, passed away on Saturday, August 15. Senator Bowman was a major advocate of agriculture in the state of… More

From the June 2020 Newsletter: The first case is a 2-week-old female Ringtail lemur (Lemur catta) that was found dead after three other neonatal lemurs… More

Including a brief clinical history on laboratory submissions is critical for a multitude of reasons. One of the most important being that it enables diagnosticians… More

This year the North Dakota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NDSU-VDL) has detected elevated pH values in livestock surface waters, especially in western North Dakota. Generally, the… More

The NDSU-VDL is looking to offer new immunoassays for our clients! The test results for these immunoassays would be available same-day for samples received during… More

Recently on June 1st cow-calf pairs were moved onto a grass-alfalfa pasture with a lake as the water source. Within several days, the producer found… More

Click here to learn more about collection and submission of samples for dermatophyte culture and PCR testing.More

From the June 2020 Newsletter: Dr. Laura Rice, the VDL’s newest pathologist, takes amazing photographs on the autopsy floor. We thought we would highlight one… More

Looking for reliable coronavirus information and safety tips for your pets? Look no further! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Centers for Disease Control… More

Dear Laboratory clients, Due to the increasing risk associated with the ongoing pandemic, the VDL will be closing its lobby to the public and discontinuing… More

Rabies testing is performed by fluorescent antibody (FA) testing. This test also includes histopathology review by a veterinary pathologist. Please see our test page and… More

Did you know that 60-70% of clinical decisions are made based on laboratory results? Laboratory results help clinicians choose the right treatments at the right… More

Although the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has the potential to impact testing services offered by the laboratory, the recent changes in the university’s schedule do not… More

From the February 2020 Newsletter: Mycotoxins are detected frequently in feed submitted to the toxicology lab. The 2019 Dakota weather often was challenging: either too… More

The first newsletter of 2020 is now available. Click here to read the newest edition of the newsletter or visit our newsletter page for past… More

An updated version of the Herd Serology/PCR form is now available. Go directly to the form or check out our forms page for a list… More

During 2019, the NDSU-VDL received 112 bovine abortion cases, which included whole fetuses submitted for necropsy and general investigation and tissue samples submitted for general… More

This year, the laboratory is changing the methodology used to detect bovine neonatal diarrhea agents. Instead of electron microscopy and microscope evaluation of acid-fast stained… More

Recently released USDA regulations require several changes in the manner which the laboratory handles EIA submissions. The laboratory now must ensure all forms are complete… More

Two chickens of unknown breed – one adult and one juvenile – were submitted for autopsy. The farm that housed the chickens has a history… More

Johne's (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) testing season is upon us, which means it is a good time to share helpful tips to ensure the fastest… More

On Friday, November 8 a building renaming ceremony was held to honor former North Dakota state senator, Bill Bowman. Family, friends, and former colleagues gathered… More

Proper sample collection and handling practices help to ensure the most accurate test results. View our new Serology Test Guide for information about best practices… More

October 13-19 is National Veterinary Technician week. It's a week to recognize the skilled and hardworking vet techs that work with us each day. Their… More

A guide for submission of rabies samples is now available. Sometimes it can be difficult to know which samples would be best for a particular… More

September 28 is World Rabies Day. It was started in 2007 to raise awareness of rabies and its continued impact around the world. The incidence… More

When choosing a sample to submit for testing, it is important to remember that tissues, fluids, aspirates or fecal material are always preferable to swabs.… More

A water sample was submitted to the VDL due to concern that the water was a red color. The NDSU-VDL found these little guys, Daphnia… More

Ergot infected pasture grasses (brome, timothy, wheat, quack grasses) are a problem this year. Ergotty forage grasses are particularly visible along fence lines, in wet… More

The NDSU-VDL bacteriology section uses matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry to assist in identifying bacterial and fungal colonies isolated from cultures. Identification on… More

Part 1: What happens to the sample you submit to the NDSU-VDL for culture? Once your sample is received it is plated to culture media.… More

We designed our new website with our clients in mind. We added new features and made our most-used links easier to find.      … More

Two Angus cows from western North Dakota tested positive for anthrax by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the laboratory Friday, August 9. Infection in the… More

August is canine itchy skin awareness month! Many fungal, bacterial, and parasitic diseases can be diagnosed in the veterinary clinic by your general practitioner. Other… More

A wild cottontail rabbit from Sheridan County tested positive for tularemia at the VDL. The rabbit carcass was submitted following an acute illness in a… More

As summer approaches and our small animal companions venture farther into the great outdoors with us, exposure to environmental hazards, including microorganisms, increases. Several cases… More

Brucella canis is a potentially zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from an infected dog to humans. Those in close contact with infectious body fluids and… More

Equine carcinomatosis was noted in a 23-year-old Quarter Horse gelding that presented for autopsy. A ruptured urinary bladder was suspected based on clinical signs. On… More

Requests to correct animal and/or owner information after release of results, requiring us to amend/correct previously distributed reports will result in a $10 form correction… More

An adult mixed-breed dog had a history of chronic sneezing and nasal discharge. A solitary deep-purple nasal mass was… More