Aside from routine diagnostic testing, TVMDL provides a broad selection of specialty services.
Research and Validation
In addition to our test catalog of 650+ assays, TVMDL offers customized testing for public and private researchers and animal health companies. Our staff can offer project specific diagnostic testing, assay development, or protocol evaluation. We maintain state of the art testing in areas such as mass spectrometry, classical and real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequencing, and rapid bacterial identification. We maintain a focus on developing and validating new diagnostic testing technologies and platforms to ensure our capabilities remain first class.
Nontraditional Species
TVMDL counts some of the largest wildlife preserves, zoos, and speciality animal operations as its clients. Staff are skilled in assisting with disease investigations of animals from all species. The agency also works closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to protect the health of our state’s wildlife resources.
Export Testing
Our professionals are experienced in performing tests required for animal or animal product import and export. We employ two Export Coordinators who can assist with expediting paperwork, tracking samples, ensuring timely completion, and coordinating with other labs to ensure our clients meet stringent international import and export requirements. We work alongside the USDA and the origin country to obtain the proper permits to allow for safe sample movement to and from our laboratory.
Drug Testing
TVMDL holds ISO 17025 accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Competition Animal Drug Abuse Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program. Our agency is also fully accredited by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC). These accreditations support our robust drug testing program at our College Station location. Routinely, this program receives samples from equine and canine owners, as well as samples from fairs and livestock shows looking to ensure fair competition through a drug testing program. The program annually performs more than 3,500 tests for livestock and 7,400 tests for equine and canine racing animals. Since 1989, when the Texas Racing Act gave TVMDL the responsibility for providing drug testing services to the pari-mutuel horse and greyhound racing industries, the drug testing program has provided reliable screening for illegal and regulated therapeutic drugs in performance animals. Expert chemists work with veterinarians, offering diagnostic testing that helps ensure animal and public health.
Capacity Building
While TVMDL’s core mission is to provide diagnostic services, staff are experienced in hosting international colleagues who come to the United States to train in the most advance veterinary diagnostic techniques available. Our staff have collaborated with both public and private entity partners to deliver customized, hands-on, applicable training experience to animal health colleagues from over 20 other countries.