NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

04/22/2026

Today we celebrate the people who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes—our administrative professionals!

Their organization, attention to detail, and ability to juggle a hundred moving parts at once do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your hard work, your patience, and the countless ways you support those around you every single day. We appreciate you more than words can say!

04/21/2026

We love seeing dedicated students like NDSU VDL's Adriana recognized—her initiative and commitment make a real impact. Congratulations from all of us!

This week we would like to recognize Campus Kudos recipient, Adriana Behl! Adriana works in the NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

Adriana was nominated by both Jamie Steffes and Margo Bowerman, who wrote: "Adriana came to us over a year ago looking to volunteer in the 4-H Youth Development department. She had been a 4-H’er for many years prior, and quickly we noticed what a great asset she was and we were able to hire her as a student worker. Adriana is extremely dependable and consistently brings creativity and care to everything she does. Her Canva designs are thoughtful, visually engaging, and always exceed expectations. She can confidently handle any project given to her and pays close attention to detail in all her work. Her 4-H experience is evident in her strong work ethic, leadership skills, and willingness to take on new challenges. Adriana is respectful, always approaches her work with a positive attitude and a smile, and is a true asset to our department. We look forward to seeing her every week. Please consider her for this Kudos award."

Congratulations and Kudos to Adriana for her awesome work!

04/20/2026

Behind every test result is a team of experts. This Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2026, we thank our staff for their expertise, commitment, and service to the community. Your work matters.

04/15/2026

MLS professionals & chemists: Ready to level up your lab skills in a real diagnostic setting?

The North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is offering a Veterinary Toxicology Fellowship (1–2 years, July 2026 start) with potential full-time hire.

Sponsored by the Association of Public Health Laboratories:
• Stipend provided by APHL
• Funded research project + conference travel

What you’ll gain:
• Hands-on experience with LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and HPLC
• Training in method development & validation (from literature → validation)
• Work within an American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians-accredited quality management system
• Mentorship from expert chemists + access to pathologists & PhD scientists

Project: Lead development of vitamin A & E testing in animal tissues—directly impacting livestock health and production.

BS in Chemistry or MLS encouraged!

Apply by April 27 at https://buff.ly/t7D3xJz
Email Dr. Kelli Maddock with questions AND after applying: kelli.maddock@ndsu.edu

Fellowships prepare scientists for careers in public health laboratory science through year-long placements.

04/14/2026

Due to rising costs of USPS mailing services, the price of our biopsy mailer kits have increased to $125. Each kit includes supplies for 9 biopsy submissions, including prefilled formalin jars, shipping supplies, and business reply by mail labels.

Please call the laboratory to request your kits at 701-231-8307.

04/08/2026

Case of the Week #3: Can You Solve It – Answer
Diagnosis: Lead Toxicity
Lead poisoning is one of the most common toxicities seen in cattle, especially when animals have access to discarded batteries, machinery, or old painted materials. Young animals are especially susceptible.

What happens in the animal?
Lead interferes with the nervous system, causing blindness, muscle tremors, seizures, head pressing, and sudden death.

How the diagnostic lab confirms it
• Lead analysis in blood
• Toxicology testing of liver or kidney tissue

Best samples to submit
• 100 µL whole blood (EDTA or heparin) (live animals)
• 5 grams liver or kidney tissue (necropsy)

⚠️ Why it matters
Identifying the source is critical to prevent exposure in other animals and protect herd health.

View our test catalog here: https://www.vdl.ndsu.edu/?s=lead&post_type=tests

04/07/2026

04/06/2026

VDL Case Challenge #3
-A 6-month-old calf begins showing unusual behavior including staggering, head pressing, blindness, and seizures.

-The producer reports the calf had access to an old shed containing discarded batteries and machinery parts earlier in the week.

-Other calves appear normal, but the affected animal’s neurologic signs worsen quickly.

-What toxic exposure is most likely responsible?

-Hint: One of the most common heavy metal poisonings seen in cattle.

Check back Wednesday to see if you guessed correctly!

03/31/2026

At NDSU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, we combine innovation, quality, and expertise to safeguard animal health and support the industries that depend on it.

The Toxicology Department at the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory delivers cutting-edge analytical testing backed by nationally recognized expertise. Our laboratory is widely recognized for expertise in ergot alkaloid in small grains and mycotoxin testing in feed. We provide water testing, cyanobacteria identification, and cyanotoxin detection services for livestock water. Finally, we offer trace mineral and heavy metal testing to ensure optimized nutrition. Our team is committed to delivering results that support informed clinical and herd management decisions. Rigorous quality assurance protocols, validated methods, and continuous proficiency testing ensure the highest standards of diagnostic excellence.

Behind our incredible facilities and expertly developed test menu are two chemists with over 60 years of combined experience and a veterinary toxicologist. We are currently seeking qualified applicants to oversee the toxicology laboratory. Click here to apply: https://buff.ly/9K3fWlh

03/27/2026

Now Hiring: Student IT Assistant
The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, in Fargo, ND, is looking for a motivated undergraduate student to join our team this summer! Gain hands-on experience at the intersection of technology, data, and animal health—while building skills that employers are actively seeking.

What you’ll do:
• Help develop automated reports from our Laboratory Information Management System
• Work with SQL databases and real-world laboratory data
• Collaborate with our database administrator on departmental and financial reporting

💵 $14/hour
📅 May 18 – August 14, 2026
⏱ Flexible schedule (minimum 5 hrs/week)

✅ You should apply by April 24, 2026 if you:
• Are majoring in MIS, Computer Science, or similar
• Have experience with SQL
• Are detail-oriented and eager to learn