NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

12/05/2025

North Dakota producers can learn practical strategies to protect their herds this December at free, in-person sessions with NDSU Extension veterinarian Dr. Jake Galbreath. He’ll cover the current HPAI situation, share steps to safeguard animals and workers, and offer demos and open discussion. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2025/december/bird-flu-prevention-series-to-help-producers-protect-their-flock-and-herd

Sessions Scheduled:
Thursday, Dec. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Ellendale
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1-3 p.m. – LaMoure
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m. – Williston
Thursday, Dec. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Minot

12/03/2025

📢 Testing Updates from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

🔬 Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) PCR
Starting January 1, BLV PCR will be offered only as an individual assay. Pooled testing will be discontinued.

🧪 Discontinued Tests
-Yersinia pestis PCR
-Feline Triple SNAP test

🌾 Nitrate (Forage) Testing
Due to equipment challenges, nitrate testing is temporarily being referred out. Please follow the forwarding protocol available here: https://buff.ly/cgdgAXO

We appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain high-quality diagnostic services. Let us know if you have any questions!

11/28/2025

TESTING UPDATES: The test for strychnine is now available as part of a panel (Pesticide Screen/Organic Screen/Strychnine Screen) and is no longer available as an individual test. The new test price is $138.
https://buff.ly/7QPCjXq

11/27/2025

The VDL is closed today in observance of Thanksgiving. We will return to routine business hours tomorrow.

11/26/2025

Winter conditions have arrived in North Dakota! Unfortunately, the weather can cause samples to freeze during transport, potentially affecting the accuracy of certain tests. To prevent freeze artifacts in formalin-fixed tissues, it's recommended to mix one part ethanol with nine parts of 10% neutral buffered formalin. For more information on proper storage and shipping temperatures, please refer to our test catalog at: https://buff.ly/ac8Iau2

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

🚨 Multi-State Equine Herpes (EHV/EHM) Outbreak Update 🚨

The ND State Veterinarian’s Office has been notified of an ongoing EHV/EHM outbreak linked to recent barrel racing and rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma. Several neurologic (EHM) cases and equine deaths have been confirmed in those states.

📍 No confirmed cases in North Dakota at this time.
NDDA is coordinating with affected states and will contact owners directly if trace information indicates exposure.

If your horse recently traveled to TX, OK, or other events where exposure may have occurred, call 701-328-2655.

Key guidance for exposed horses:
• Isolate for 21 days after last possible exposure
• Avoid shared equipment & limit horse-to-horse contact
• Monitor temperature twice daily and watch for respiratory or neurologic signs
• Contact your veterinarian if any symptoms develop

Event organizers: Consider the risks of hosting equine events during an active multi-state outbreak; strengthened biosecurity or postponement may be necessary.
Horse owners: Talk with your veterinarian before traveling—EHV can be shed even by horses that appear healthy.

For more information or to report concerns, contact the ND State Veterinarian’s Office at 701-328-2655.

11/19/2025

It’s U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week!
Preventing (AR) starts with recognizing how closely human health is connected to the health of animals and the environment—we all have a role to play.

To learn how animal owners, producers, and veterinarians can help reduce the development of AR, visit the CDC’s webpage: https://buff.ly/CE2QSM3.

Let’s work together to keep antibiotics effective for the health of every species!

11/17/2025

Ever wonder how West Nile virus shows up in different species? 🦟
Our Fall Newsletter breaks down 2025 WNV activity, cases diagnosed at the NDSU VDL, clinical signs, and key diagnostic findings.

📖 Give it a read and stay informed!

11/12/2025

We're celebrating our amazing team! 🎉

Several of our staff members recently collaborated on an a VDL investigation published in ASM Case Reports- advancing veterinary science and antimicrobial resistance understanding through collaboration and innovation.

Congratulations to our contributors: Dr. Brianna Stenger, Dr. Kelli Maddock, Dr. Heidi Pecoraro and Sarah Gefroh along with Daniel Evans of the MN Department of Health and Dr. Alyssa Breuer from Dakota Veterinary Hospital.

Read the article here: https://buff.ly/vYMkIKu

11/11/2025

We are closed today, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day.
For samples not requiring a hoist, please use our refrigerated depository. More information can be found here: https://buff.ly/8Xw3zYr

11/10/2025

Make sure you’re using the most up-to-date submission forms! From toxicology and surgical pathology to general testing, having the right form helps ensure smooth processing. Find everything you need here: https://buff.ly/tE7AuD5