NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

10/09/2025

Dr. Kelli Maddock, Senior Research Scholar and Section Head of the BSL-3 and Microbiology departments here at the VDL has the honor of being selected as the Core Values Recipient for October!

10/08/2025

🐾 The VDL Microbiology Lab has been seeing some interesting cases of Bordetella bronchiseptica lately! This bacterium can cause illness on its own, but it often teams up with viruses to cause “kennel cough” in dogs, and respiratory infections or even pneumonia in cats, dogs and rabbits.

Because Bordetella spreads through the air and direct contact—especially in places like shelters, kennels, and daycares—it’s important to keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date to help protect them (and others!).

At the VDL, we use culture testing to detect Bordetella bronchiseptica and PCR testing to identify common respiratory viruses in small animals. https://buff.ly/zUWREQX

10/06/2025

10/02/2025

🌟 The VDL's Microbiology department had a fantastic time at bioMérieux’s AMR Summit in Detroit this week! 🌟

The event brought together an inspiring mix of pharmacists, physicians, infectious disease experts across both the veterinary and human spaces and leaders in antimicrobial stewardship dedicated to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. It was energizing to hear diverse perspectives, discuss challenges, and explore new approaches to protecting both human and animal health. As an added honor, Dr. Kelli Maddock was one of the featured One Health panelists!

A huge thank you to bioMérieux and Henry Ford Health for hosting such a meaningful summit and creating space for important conversations that move the field forward. 👏

💡 Leaving Detroit motivated and looking forward to applying new insights in the work ahead!

09/30/2025

The NDSU VDL is looking for a new member to join our team in the serology lab! To learn more and apply, check out the full job post!
🔗 https://buff.ly/YvWqwdw

09/29/2025

A second case of anthrax has been confirmed in Stark County.

“Producers in past known affected areas and counties should consult with their veterinarians to review their risk factors and vaccination needs. If producers have unusual losses on pasture, they should reach out to their local veterinarian as they are experienced and trained for this type of response.” The state veterinarian’s office will coordinate with local and state resources to assist producers in dealing with disease situations. https://www.ndda.nd.gov/news/second-case-anthrax-detected-stark-county

09/28/2025

It's World Rabies Day! It is a day to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control while promoting collaboration among stakeholders to combat this preventable viral disease affecting animals and humans. By educating communities about vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and avoiding wild animals, the day aims to reduce rabies cases. It also highlights successes and ongoing challenges in working towards a rabies-free world.

09/26/2025

🐾 Now Hiring: Veterinary Toxicology Resident!
To learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/OMRTOJx

09/25/2025

Check out this image of a skin biopsy from 3-year-old cat.
🔬 Findings:
• Thickened skin and hair follicles (acanthosis + hyperkeratosis)
• Fungal organisms (dermatophytes) deep in follicles noted at the arrows of this image
• Moderate inflammation with immune cells present
The diagnosis? Chronic dermatophytosis—a persistent fungal skin infection. 🧫

This cat was diagnosed by tissue examination performed by a veterinary pathologist. Alternative testing options include dermatophyte culture and PCR assays. https://buff.ly/N3QNEJ9

09/24/2025

🚨 Important Reminder 🚨
If you are submitting samples for select agent testing, please call the laboratory before shipping. Early communication ensures we are prepared to receive and handle your samples safely and without delay.

Your partnership helps us maintain compliance with federal regulations and protects our staff and community. 🧪🐾

09/23/2025

Hunters participating in deer and fall bird season should be aware of the risk of HPAI in wildlife and use measures to prevent transmission to domestic poultry or livestock. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2025/september/hunters-urged-to-practice-biosecurity-during-fall-season

09/19/2025

🌿🐾 Today marks the final day of Fungal Disease Awareness Week!

Fungal infections don’t just affect people—they can impact your pets and livestock too. Animals may pick up certain fungal diseases through:
✔️ Contact with other infected animals (or people)
✔️ Cuts or scrapes exposed to fungi in soil or plants
✔️ Breathing in fungal spores

👉 Protecting your animals means protecting your family and community, too. If you notice unusual skin lesions, respiratory issues, or changes in your animals’ health, talk to your veterinarian and ask about testing.