Top diagnostic services at UKVDL for farmers and vets

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL), part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, serves as a vital resource for Kentucky's agriculture, veterinary practices, public health, and education.

Its work extends far beyond research, making a significant impact on both the agricultural sector and the general public.

UKVDL’s mission is clear: to protect animal and human health. “This laboratory is a highly specialized operation where science meets necessity,” said Director Craig Carter.

The lab processes tens of thousands of animal specimens annually, helping identify illnesses, prevent outbreaks, and safeguard the food supply. These efforts also bolster the human-animal bond and provide critical disease management insights.

Since its establishment in 1970, UKVDL has provided diagnostic services for veterinarians, farmers, and animal owners. Annually, the lab conducts over 300,000 tests and 3,500 necropsies, addressing cases ranging from routine health checks to complex disease investigations. “Our job is to find answers—answers that veterinarians, farmers, and animal owners rely on to save lives or protect livelihoods,” Carter said.

Necropsies, or animal autopsies, are pivotal to UKVDL’s operations. For instance, the lab identified arsenic poisoning from old wood as the cause of cattle deaths, saving a farmer's herd.

Equine cases, particularly those involving Thoroughbreds, account for nearly half of the lab’s necropsies. During a rotavirus outbreak, UKVDL identified a novel strain, enabling veterinarians to adjust practices and pursue vaccine development.

The toxicology department, led by Megan Romano, addresses issues like environmental toxins and adverse drug interactions. “By testing the horses’ blood, we could identify which animals had been exposed and needed treatment,” Romano explained, emphasizing the importance of precise diagnostics.

UKVDL also plays a significant role in education, training veterinary students and pathology residents, while conducting outreach programs to inspire future scientists.

Beyond animal health, the lab’s work in zoonotic diseases supports public health and prevents cross-species disease transmission.

“Every case we handle has a story behind it,” Carter remarked. “A family’s livelihood, an animal’s life, a veterinarian’s reputation all of these hinge on the answers we provide.”

Photo Credit: gettyimages-anna-tarazevich