June 10 2008

US university opens lab with drive-up window for sample submission 

The University of Arkansas has announced that on June 12 it will dedicate the Leland Tollett Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which is operated by the University of Arkansas System's Division of Agriculture.

One innovative feature of the laboratory is a drive-up window as a convenience that will complement animal disease prevention programmes, according to Director Steve Breeding.

"The ability to submit samples to the laboratory without ever leaving your vehicle is something everyone will benefit from, especially the poultry companies," he said.

The laboratory will provide disease diagnostic services and animal health monitoring programmes for the poultry and livestock industries, veterinarians and the public.

Funding for the US$2.4 million facility included a US$1 million donation from Tyson Foods.

The new facility will also house the Poultry Federation Laboratory that performs serology testing for the mycoplasma and salmonella species monitored under the USDA's National Poultry Improvement Programme.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory conducts approximately 100,000 tests yearly to screen for bird flu. Other services include serology testing to monitor flock health and response to vaccination, diagnostic molecular testing for various diseases, bacterial culture and identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.