Search results for “mineral and metal testing”.
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…
The winter season often gets the blame when livestock health begins to dwindle; however cold temperatures are rarely the direct cause of disease. Instead, stress triggered from frigid weather conditions are significant points of concern. As many parts of the south brace for this weekend’s winter weather, it’s critical to consider the potential impact on livestock. When winter…
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…
In this article: Bovine abortion often leads to significant biological and economic consequences for cattle operations. With today’s high cattle values and the increasing cost of replacement heifers, these losses can quickly become financially devastating. Pregnancy loss may also indicate underlying infectious disease, which can affect the entire health of a herd. For these reasons, prompt investigation…
The detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, subtype H5N1 in dairy cattle was confirmed in March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. This finding was the first of its kind and shocked the global scientific community. The official confirmation came on the heels of testing performed at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical…
In this article What is Johne’s disease? Johne’s disease is a chronic, progressive intestinal disease of ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, also known as MAP. The organism infects the small intestine, leading to thickening of the intestinal wall, reduced nutrient absorption, and eventually diarrhea and severe weight loss. The disease typically…
Sample Exclusions and Disclaimers
Half a century of service TVMDL encompasses two full-service labs, College Station and Canyon, and two poultry labs, Center and Gonzales. Annually, TVMDL receives over 200,000 accessions and performs over 1 million tests from Texas, neighboring states, and over 20 countries around the world. Tests are performed on many different types of specimens sent or…
Nitrate toxicity occurs when animals consume food or water that contains high levels of nitrates. In the rumen, nitrates are converted into a smaller compound called nitrites, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Ruminants are particularly susceptible because of their consistent grazing habits. Alexis Thompson, DVM, Ph.D., DACVPM, is the resident director at the…
Testing for trichomoniasis is performed daily at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). If submitted properly, a sample can be accurately and efficiently tested, and results reported to the submitting veterinarian in a timely manner. All samples must be incubated 48 hrs (36-38°C) prior to rtPCR testing; please plan accordingly. Clearly indicate on…