NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

12/18/2025

12/18/2025

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will be closed December 18th, due to expected weather conditions. Please stay safe and warm!

12/17/2025

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.

12/15/2025

We’ve recently noticed an increase in samples leaking during shipment. To ensure your sample arrives in good condition and can be tested without delay, please take a moment to double-check your packaging before shipping.

🔹 Seal containers tightly
🔹 Reinforce closures with parafilm
🔹 Place each sample in its own zip-top bag before packing

Unfortunately, leaking samples can contaminate other specimens or result in an insufficient volume for testing, making them unacceptable and requiring recollection. Molecular and bacteriology samples are especially sensitive to contamination.

A few extra seconds at packing can help avoid delays and ensure accurate results. Thank you for helping us provide the best possible diagnostic service!

12/11/2025

Take a look at this fascinating parasite! This is Eurytrema procyonis, a pancreatic fluke most commonly found in wild carnivores such as raccoons and foxes, but it can also infect domestic animals—particularly cats in the United States. While many infections are subclinical, heavy burdens may contribute to pancreatic inflammation or digestive upset.

Diagnosis is typically made by identifying the characteristic trematode eggs on f***l examination. These eggs feature a prominent operculum (“cap”), a thick, smooth shell, and distinct internal granulation, and they fall within a relatively consistent size range that helps separate them from other fluke eggs.

It's no fluke (see what we did there?!)-we love identifying parasites for our clients at the NDSU VDL!

12/09/2025

Service Update:
Our Zoetis slide scanner for cytology evaluation is currently down due to technical issues. In the meantime, cytology slides are being reviewed in-house by our boarded anatomic pathologists for a fee of $30.

Once the scanner is back online, slides can be sent to Zoetis on request for additional review by a clinical pathologist. Clients will only be charged the price difference between the VDL fee and the Zoetis fee ($74).

We’ll share an update as soon as full service is restored. Thank you for your patience!

12/09/2025

🚨 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent global health challenges of our time — and this new Let's Talk Micro podcast episode dives right into why it matters in veterinary medicine.

One of the guests featured in the episode is Dr. Maddock, offering a veterinary insider’s perspective on the science, the needs, and the solutions being built right now. She, along with Dr. Stephen Cole bring insights that make the episode especially powerful for anyone curious about the real work happening behind the scenes to combat AMR.

🔬 Whether you're in veterinary healthcare, research, industry, or simply curious, this episode is a must-listen. It’s inspiring, eye-opening, and packed with takeaways that highlight just how important collective awareness and action truly are.

🎧 Give it a listen!

Let's Talk Micro · Episode

12/08/2025

📣 **Leadership Update for the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab**

Today, we announce that Dr. Pecoraro will begin a new role as NDSU Attending Veterinarian beginning January 1, 2026. Dr. Pecoraro joined the VDL in 2018 as a veterinary pathologist and took over lab director duties January 2022. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and dedication to advancing our mission of delivering high-quality diagnostic support to veterinarians, animal health professionals, and the communities we serve.

As we move forward, we’re pleased to share that an interim director will be appointed from within our talented team at the VDL. This internal selection reflects the strength and expertise of our staff, and we look forward to introducing the interim director very soon. We are also in the process of recruiting an anatomic veterinary pathologist for necropsy and biopsy services.

Thank you to our partners, clients, and colleagues for your continued trust and support. We remain committed to providing exceptional service and sustaining the high standards our lab is known for.

Stay tuned for our upcoming announcement.
🐾🔬

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.