TVMDL maintains two laboratories dedicated to poultry diagnostics, located in Center, Texas and Gonzales, Texas. With the help of TVMDL, veterinarians can learn the best method to safely take a blood sample from poultry; the sample TVMDL uses to test for diseases like Avian Influenza, Salmonella or Mycoplasma. Veterinarians service the Texas animal health industry…
TVMDL maintains two laboratories dedicated to poultry diagnostics, one in Center, Texas and the other in Gonzales, Texas. Veterinarians, with assistance from TVMDL, service the Texas animal health industry by certifying poultry are healthy. With the help of TVMDL, veterinarians can ensure the best and safest sample collection technique when collecting samples from a live-bird.…
Although the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) strives to process and test all samples quickly, delays occur when samples arrive at the lab in less than ideal conditions. Here are some practices to help mitigate potential delays when submitting samples for antemortem CWD testing. Paperwork All antemortem CWD samples should have a thoroughly…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is committed to assisting the Texas deer industry. To expedite submissions and ensure accurate reports, clients should consider the following practices prior to submitting samples for testing. Samples submitted in less than ideal condition may result in delays. Not Ideal Tissue is not flat. Folded tissues increase…
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are bacteria capable of photosynthesis. They play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants and other organisms. However, under certain conditions, such as warm temperatures and high nutrient levels (phosphorus and nitrogen), cyanobacteria can proliferate rapidly, leading to harmful algal blooms.…
Click to Skip Tips for Collecting Needle and Core Bone Biopsy | Tips for Submitting and Entire Leg | Clinical History Submitting samples of bone for histopathological analysis is essential to definitively diagnose most primary bone diseases (e.g., osteosarcoma). However, collecting representative bone biopsy specimens and their histopathological interpretations presents several challenges for the clinician…
Click to Skip: Bone Marrow Aspirate Procedure | Bone Marrow Core Biopsy Procedure Bone marrow testing is used to diagnose and monitor bone marrow diseases and CBC abnormalities. Full evaluation of bone marrow requires a CBC the day of the bone marrow collection, bone marrow aspiration, and a bone marrow core biopsy. Indications for bone…
TVMDL offers a range of tests to detect bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). BVDV threatens the global cattle industry and negatively impacts producers in the form of decreased or lost productivity. Despite vaccines and an array of diagnostic tests, this expensive disease continues to impact cattle producers. About 70 to 90% of all infections go…
When horses ingest the cantharidin toxin through hay or alfalfa contaminated with “blister” beetles, the outcome is often fatal. Toxicosis occurs rapidly; as little as four grams of dried beetles may contain fatal levels of cantharidin. Cantharidin is extremely toxic and fast-acting, quickly affecting a horse’s ability to function. All blister beetles carry cantharidin and…
The collection of hair samples should be undertaken by a competent individual within a secure, contamination-free facility. Hair is a strong, stable tissue that is simple to collect, transport, and store. Data suggest hair is as effective a matrix as retinal tissue for detecting beta-adrenergic agonist drugs (i.e. clenbuterol, zilpaterol, ractopamine and albuterol). Please note…