NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

08/20/2025

Is it anthrax? Is it blue-green algae? If you request testing for both of these, please make sure you collect appropriate samples for both, and send in separate containers. If the anthrax test is positive, all samples packaged with it in the mail will be destroyed for safety reasons.

Water sample collection and transport guidelines for cyanobacteria can be viewed here: https://buff.ly/9WaSpZG

The preferred samples for anthrax testing include blood, spleen and ear notches. Transport guidelines can be found here: https://buff.ly/l3zPbFp

08/19/2025

08/18/2025

An anthrax case was confirmed last week in Stark County, prompting a renewed alert for cattle producers across North Dakota. Weather conditions, particularly in certain regions, have been favorable for the bacteria that causes this disease, putting livestock at risk. Producers should remain vigilant and consider vaccinating their herds to protect against potential outbreaks. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2025/august/ndsu-advises-cattle-producers-to-be-on-lookout-for-anthrax

08/15/2025

Bacillus anthracis can be detected by PCR in the Biosafety Level 3 laboratory at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory! 🧬

Anthrax spores survive harsh conditions and reside in dry, undisturbed soil. However, they can rise to the surface during periods of heavy rain posing risk to unvaccinated animals grazing in the area. Animals often present with minimal symptoms and sudden death.

If you are suspecting an animal death due to B.anthracis, please notify the laboratory at 701-231-8307 before sending a sample for testing. Further resources on sample submission and testing can be found here: https://buff.ly/1WWgg2g

08/12/2025

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory was well-represented at last week’s NDVMA annual meeting! Dr. Pecoraro shared updates on diseases and diagnostics, and Dr. Mitchell was also in attendance to offer insight and learn along with fellow attendees. A big thank-you to everyone who stopped by the VDL booth to say hello!

08/11/2025

Sequencing in the Wild: A High-Tech Day at The Red River Zoo.

Visitors to the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND on Friday, July 18, 2025, may have noticed some intriguing activity in the Animal Health Center. Dr. Brianna Stenger, representing the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, was on-site testing a portable genomics toolkit affectionately known as the “SLAB” — aka: Sequencing-Lab-in-a-Bag. This innovative project, made possible through a grant from the FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), is a collaborative effort between NDSU and the Red River Zoo. Its goal? To bring cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology out of the lab and into the field.

The SLAB setup featured two key instruments: the Miro Canvas (INTEGRA), used to prepare DNA samples, and the MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies), a compact sequencer that connects directly to a laptop. Together, they enable real-time genetic analysis in virtually any location.

What is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)?
NGS is a powerful tool that allows scientists to read the sequence of nucleotides — A, T, G, and C — in DNA or RNA. These sequences can be assembled to reveal the genetic blueprint of an organism, offering insights into everything from species identification to disease detection.

Why Use NGS at a Zoo?
NGS has a wide range of applications in veterinary diagnostics and wildlife conservation. At a zoo or diagnostic lab, sequencing can help:
*Identify species and determine gender
*Assess genetic relationships between individuals
*Detect mutations and genetic disorders
*Identify pathogens and track disease outbreaks
*Discover antimicrobial resistance genes

By bringing NGS into the field, researchers like Dr. Stenger are opening new doors for rapid, on-site diagnostics and conservation efforts — making science more accessible, responsive, and impactful.
A special thank you to Dr. Caitlin Rickey and Sally Mulvena of the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND for hosting Brianna and the SLAB.

08/07/2025

Help us celebrate NDSU VDL's Christie Erickson, who was recently honored with the NDSU Agriculture Core Values Award!

This award is a peer-to-peer traveling award given to individuals that demonstrate NDSU Agriculture values including being community and stakeholder driven, student focused, having integrity, making an impact and being a source of innovation.

08/05/2025

🆕 Hot Off the Lab Bench!
Packed with real case insights, lab news, and key information, our summer newsletter is out!

👉 Tap the link to read the latest issue now! https://buff.ly/utpnzvg

08/01/2025

Visit our test catalog to learn more: https://buff.ly/qtRWXku

07/31/2025

Drinking water from stagnant ponds that contain blue-green algae can cause severe illness or sudden death in your animals. The VDL can perform a microscopic examination for cyanobacteria as well as more detailed water analysis to determine if the toxins are present in the sample as well.

Sample quantity and storage temperature are critical to achieving best results. Details on test methods and sample requirements can be found on our website: https://buff.ly/AXw8uau

07/30/2025

Changes are coming August 4 for a few of our porcine assays! For information on the Porcine Coronavirus Multiplex Assay, head over to https://buff.ly/HkkNHeL .