The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) serves veterinarians, scientists, educators, companion animal owners, and the livestock and poultry industry by identifying and monitoring emerging diseases and developing new diagnostic methods. Submitting through a licensed veterinarian increases quality and integrity of the submission and allows for the veterinarian to provide interpretations when necessary.

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Test Updates

Small Ruminant Lentivirus cELISA

Starting Wednesday, 10/29/25, the VDL will be using the Small Ruminant Lentivirus Antibody Test Kit cELISA (VMRD) for providing OPP/CAE antibody testing. This test will be the default test for all OPP/CAE ELISA requests. The price for this test will be $6.50 per sample.

Elitest MVV/CAEV ELISA will also be available and will be performed upon client’s requests only. The price will be the same, $7.25 per sample.

The revised submission form can be found at


 

Francisella tularensis RT-PCR (Tularemia)

Our submission guidelines for Francisella tularensis PCR in clinical specimens have changed. Swabs should be submitted in a clean tube with no media added (this includes not using swabs with gel media). This will simplify submission for clinics that do not have our validated media types on hand. It will also provide better quality test results as the lab can ensure that only a validated media type in the correct volume is added to the tube.

Please note that our guidance on the type of swabs to submit remains the same. Swabs should be made of Dacron, Rayon, or equivalent synthetic, non-absorbent material. Please avoid foam swabs that may be overly absorbent and cotton swabs that are often manufactured using bleach that can inhibit reactions.
 

Please contact us at 1-800-605-8787 or [email protected] with questions.

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) Real-Time PCR Subgroups A, B and C

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) Real-Time PCR Subgroups A, B and C:  Starting on July 1, 2025, we are implementing a new testing schedule for aMPV PCR (subgroups A, B, and C). Please note the following changes:

Testing will now be performed on Wednesdays and Fridays only.

Turnaround time is 5–7 business days, as we must account for courier-delivered samples that may arrive later in the week.

Samples received by end of day Tuesday will be tested on Wednesday.

Samples received by noon on Thursday will be tested on Friday.

If you have urgent testing needs outside of this schedule, please contact the MPTL Laboratory Manager to discuss whether off-cycle testing can be arranged.

Histopathology/Surgicals/Surgical Biopsy

The UMN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is excited to announce we will begin offering surgical pathology (biopsy) services on May 12, 2025. Led by Dr. Meg Moore (bio link), this service will provide high-quality, accurate, and actionable diagnostic reports with a focus on timely results and personalized service. For further information and guidelines on sample submission, please refer to the UMN VDL website at: https://vdl.umn.edu/tests-fees/histopathologysurgicalssurgical-biopsy or contact the lab at [email protected] or 612-625-8787.