NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

01/21/2026

🐄 Why a calf necropsy matters
One calf necropsy can represent insight for an entire group—often up to 50 calves in the same herd.
💰 The math matters:
• 50 calves × 600–800 lb
• $3.50 per lb live weight
• $105,000–$140,000 in potential herd value

🔍 A $180 necropsy investigation can help identify disease, management, or nutritional issues early—potentially saving a producer ~$120,000 by preventing further losses.

📈 Small diagnostic investment. Big herd-level impact.

If you’re experiencing unexplained losses or want answers that protect the rest of the herd, a necropsy can be one of the most cost-effective tools available.

📞 Contact the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to discuss submission options and turnaround times.

01/19/2026

01/16/2026

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to ensure new lab technology is accurate and reliable?

Our microbiology team recently published a paper in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology highlighting the rigorous work involved in validating a new antimicrobial test method. The study showcases how the method was implemented using the highest standards outlined in the Manual of Clinical Microbiology and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

While validation requirements in human medicine are often more stringent than those routinely applied in veterinary diagnostics, this work demonstrates that veterinary laboratories can adopt and appropriately scale these same standards—ensuring consistently high-quality, reliable results across both human and animal health sectors.

Access the paper here: https://buff.ly/HK89DYD

01/15/2026

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is hiring a toxicologist!
For more information or to apply, visit: https://buff.ly/iAK3XsD

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 100, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

01/08/2026

⏰ Quick Reminder: Check Those Sample Collection devices! ⏰

Before sending samples our way, please take a moment to check the expiration date on your collection and transport devices. Expired transport media can compromise organism viability, interfere with detection of an analyte, and ultimately delay results or impact the quality of your results.

A quick date check helps ensure your samples arrive in optimal condition—so we can deliver the most accurate, timely results to support patient care. Thank you for helping us help you! 🐾

01/06/2026

📣 Starting today, January 6, Dr. Kelli Maddock will be stepping into the role of Interim Director at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

With 15 years of laboratory experience-including 10 years at the VDL-Dr. Maddock brings invaluable operations insight, diagnostic knowledge and a strong commitment to our clients, animal health and quality laboratory practices. Her leadership and experience make her a trusted and steady presence for our team and the clients we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Maddock into this role!

01/05/2026

Start the New Year off by ensuring you have the latest submission forms! General submissions, surgical pathology, dermatopathology, herd serology/PCR and toxicology submission forms can all be found on our website.
https://buff.ly/7KLNxn1

12/31/2025

Today is Dr. Pecoraro’s last day at the VDL as she transitions to her new role as Attending Veterinarian at NDSU beginning January 1.

We are incredibly grateful for her many contributions to the laboratory and her dedication to our clients. Her expertise and commitment will truly be missed. Please join us in wishing her all the best as she begins this exciting next chapter!

12/25/2025

The VDL is closed today, December 25th, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We return to routine business hours tomorrow.

12/24/2025

We’re Hiring: Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at North Dakota State University is seeking a full-time, non-tenure track Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist to join our diagnostic team in Fargo, ND.

📅 Screening begins January 21, 2026
📍 Fargo, North Dakota
🆔 Job ID: 2958344

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/nUb70U7

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.