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The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is the only laboratory in Texas authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture to perform testing for Chronic Wasting Disease, CWD. As such, it is critical samples are submitted properly to mitigate potential testing delays. TVMDL recommends these three best practices to keep in mind when…
Animal drug testing plays a critical role in promoting fairness, animal welfare, and consumer safety at livestock shows and other animal competitions. Similar to testing conducted in horse racing and other performance-based animal events, livestock shows test animals for substances that may enhance phenotypical traits. Samples such as urine, blood, hair, feathers, eyeballs, and feces…
An eight-month-old sulcate tortoise was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) for necropsy. The history indicated that the tortoise had died unexpectedly with a history of bloating and a progressively soft shell. No clinical diagnosis was made by the referring veterinarian. A popular pet for reptile lovers, the sulcate tortoise, Geochelone sulcate,…
Armed with giant hacksaws and cheerful attitudes, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s, TVMDL, necropsy team in College Station is devoted to positively impacting human and animal health one dissection at a time. The team is made up of two veterinary technicians, a lab supervisor, and a student worker. Each day, the team can…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is committed to assisting the dairy industry as it navigates recent testing requirements enacted by the USDA. It is critical samples are submitted to TVMDL properly packaged with thoroughly completed paperwork to mitigate any potential delays in testing. TVMDL recommends all dairy samples submitted for movement testing…
Livestock export testing safeguards human and animal health internationally. Testing helps mitigate the spread of diseases and ensures international commerce is sustainable. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is the only laboratory in Texas authorized to perform testing that meets United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, and international requirements. “The goal of export…
Prior to diagnostic testing, it’s important to determine what factors would lead to the most comprehensive assessment of an animal’s condition. Each case must be evaluated individually in order to establish the most practical diagnostic testing route. Collection Guidelines What is an ideal serum sample? Since most serologic testing utilizes serum, blood should be collected…
The Analytical Chemistry Section encompasses toxicology and drug testing. In this section, specimens are analyzed to diagnose poisonings and toxins. Specimens analyzed may include animal tissues, ingesta, blood, urine, plants, feed, hay, water, baits, fertilizer, etc. Staff can also identify poisonous plants and nutritional deficiencies of trace metals and vitamins. This section also identify drugs…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has been providing drug testing services for livestock shows across the country for more than 30 years. The agency tests in excess of 3,500 samples for more than 90 shows across the United States annually. TVMDL’s drug testing laboratory is an ISO 17025 accredited lab with state-of-the-art…
Q: What is G6S, and why should I test for it?Caprine mucopolysaccharidosis-iiid is a lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a genetic mutation (a point mutation) which results in a defective G6S (N-Acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase) enzyme. The only method for testing for this genetic defect is with a DNA test identifying the causative point mutation. Goats should be…