The Government Relations Committee Co-Chairs, myself, and AAVLD legislative advocate Brad Mollet met with staff of the House and Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittees, and the Senate Agriculture Committee to request additional authorization and appropriation funding for the NAHLN and other minor adjustments to the current language. AAVLD Executive Committee members also met individually with Senators and Representatives from California, Iowa, and South Dakota to advocate for those same priorities. Across the board, our message was well received on both sides of the aisle, with appreciation for what AAVLD and NAHLN labs do and support for outbreak preparedness and response.

If you have questions on how to advocate for our laboratories, please contact the chairs of the AAVLD Government Relations Committee: Dr. Bruce Akey bla413@protonmail.com and Dr. Keith Poulsen Keith.poulsen@wvdl.wvdl.wisc.edu .

Thanks,

Ashley Hill, DVM, MPVM, PhD

AAVLD President

Throughout the meeting, AAVLD representatives highlighted the essential role of state and federal laboratories in safeguarding animal agriculture, supporting One Health initiatives, and responding to emerging and zoonotic disease threats. Discussions centered on federal appropriations, laboratory modernization, workforce development, and the need for sustained investment in surveillance and diagnostic capacity. AAVLD leaders also provided updates on current challenges facing the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and emphasized the importance of stable, long‑term funding to ensure readiness for high‑consequence events.

The joint meeting offered valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with USDA, congressional offices, and partner organizations, reinforcing AAVLD’s role as a trusted voice in national animal health policy. By engaging directly with decision‑makers, AAVLD continues to advocate for resources, programs, and policies that support the diagnostic community and protect the nation’s animal industries.



AAVLD extends its appreciation to the Executive Committee, GRC leadership, and all members who contribute to this critical work. Their presence in Washington ensures that the needs and expertise of veterinary diagnostic laboratories remain central to national animal health strategy.

AAVLD Leadership Team Pictured at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Event

(Dave Zeman, Bruce Akey, Ashley Hill, Francisco Uzal, Tanya LeRoith, Keith Poulsen, and Jianqiang Zhang) gathered at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Driving Progress Together: AAVLD Leadership

Full annual meeting photos

AAVLD Abstract Submission Opened: March 2, 2026

Pathology Slide Seminar Abstract

Submission Opens: June 1, 2026

Committee Member Rosters have been sent to

AAVLD Committee Chairs

Please use the provided link within this PDF Portfolio to access:

• Committee Chair reporting instructions and URL links to electronic forms
• A letter from the AAVLD meeting coordinator, Kaylin Taylor
• AAVLD Committee SOP

'2026 AAVLD COMMITTEE CHAIR PACKAGE.'

Please download the PDF Portfolio to your computer->Save->Open the PDF saved on your computer-> there are three documents enclosed.

Open committee enrollment for AAVLD is

July 1 to September 1 and December 1 to January 15.

Members are invited to join or renew their participation in the committees that help drive our mission forward. If you miss the deadline, you can make the roster in the next open enrollment. Note: This allows the committee to send important dates and materials to its members. Don't miss out.

We encourage all members to get involved, share their expertise, and help shape the future of veterinary diagnostic laboratory medicine. Your engagement strengthens our organization and supports the vital work we do together.

To enroll:

Visit www.aavld.org, log in to your account, navigate to Membership, then select My Profile. From there, you can edit your profile to include all committees you would like to join.

If you are interested in Joint USAHA AAVLD Committees, please sign up using the USAHA announcement instructions.

One Health Committee becomes a Joint USAHA/AAVLD Committee: Call for New AAVLD Members

The USAHA One Health Committee is changing from a USAHA Committee to a Joint USAHA/AAVLD Committee. Leaders of both organizations voted for the effective change in 2026. Any AAVLD members interested in joining this new joint committee should complete the committee open enrollment form to express their interest at the next open enrollment period.  

AAVLD/USAHA Committee on One Health (NEW) 

AAVLD/USAHA Subcommittee on Pharmaceutical Issues (NEW) 

AAVLD/USAHA Subcommittee on Rabies (NEW) 

AAVLD/USAHA Subcommittee on Salmonella (NEW)  

March 2026

Click here for the March issue

Stay Connected:

The Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation (JVDI) is the official journal of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The mission of JVDI is to educate by informing readers of progress in veterinary laboratory medicine and related fields. Key objectives include promoting the science of veterinary laboratory medicine and ultimately improving both animal and public health.

Editor-in-chief, Dr. Grant Maxie / https://journals.sagepub.com/home/VDI

Influenza A viruses affect a wide range of domestic animals, laboratory species, and wildlife, and they continue to pose a frequent diagnostic and surveillance challenge for veterinary laboratories worldwide. In domestic animals, including poultry, swine, cattle, horses, and companion animals, influenza A viral infections can result in respiratory disease, decreased productivity, reproductive losses, and, in some species, severe systemic illness or high mortality. Laboratory animals are also susceptible to certain influenza A subtypes, which is relevant both for animal health and for their role as experimental models in pathogenesis, transmission, and vaccine studies. In wildlife, particularly avian species and selected mammals, influenza A viruses circulate endemically and periodically emerge or re-emerge, contributing to spillover events, population-level impacts, and significant public and animal health concerns. The broad host range, genetic diversity, and capacity for interspecies transmission make influenza A viruses a critical focus for diagnostic vigilance, epidemiologic investigation, and One Health–oriented disease monitoring across domestic, laboratory, and wild animal populations.

We are inviting submissions to a JVDI special section on Influenza A virus to be guest edited by Drs. Leyi Wang, University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine; Melissa Macias-Rioseco CAHFS, University of California–Davis. JVDI readers would be interested in background review material and current laboratory investigations, including both successes and failures, or lessons learned.

If you are interested, please submit an abstract of up to 250 words describing your proposed topic by April 30th, 2026. Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified of acceptance by May 29th, 2026, and full submissions will be expected by October 31, 2026. Submitted manuscripts will undergo the usual JVDI peer-review process, with publication anticipated in Spring 2027. Page charges of $75/printed page will apply—there are no color page charges for online-only publication.

Please submit your abstract to guest editors Dr. Leyi Wang, leyiwang@illinois.edu

or Dr. Melissa Macias-Rioseco, mmaciasrioseco@ucdavis.eduYour copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we have the pleasure of contacting you regarding the XXII International Society for Animal Clinical Pathology Congress, to be held between 14 & 18 April 2026, at the premises of the PUCPR University, in Curitiba, Brazil.

The Congress aims to bring together international experts to exchange and share the latest advancements and research results regarding key clinical pathology issues. Beyond gaining insights into new scientific data, the Congress will offer an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world and to build and strengthen international collaborations and networking!

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION is open till 12 December 2025!

This congress will be a memorable experience set against the backdrop of Curitiba, Brazil’s showcase “green” city. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovative urban planning, and efficient mass transit, Curitiba offers a unique blend of modernity and environmental consciousness.

The International Society for Animal Clinical Pathology is organizing this biannual scientific meeting for the first time in Brazil and hereby, we are kindly asking for your support in making it a success!

To share information about the Congress you can upload the attached web-banner on your website (let us know if the size is not convenient), distribute our newsletters and announcements to your members and use the material available here: Communications kit.

We would be happy to also promote your logo to our website and social media.

We would greatly appreciate your collaboration with any of the above items and hope this will be a great opportunity for exchanging and sharing valuable information between us.

If you have any inquiries, please contact with the congress secretariat.

Thank you in advance for considering our proposal.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Moreira dos Santos Schmidt,

Chair of the XXII International Society for Animal Clinical Pathology Congress

Congress Secretariat:

ARTION Conferences & Events

Official Congress Organizer – ISACP2026

E. isacp2026@artion.com.gr

W. https://isacp2026.org/  

"The Important thing is to never stop questioning"- Albert Einstein

"The fine tuning of the universe provides prima facie evidence of deistic design." - Edward Robert Harrison

The AAVLD Pathology Committee and Cornell University have developed a searchable database of IHC and ISH assays, and which institutions perform them. Visit this link (IHC/ISH search tool) to access the tool. If you would like more information about how to add assays from your institution, please contact

Grant Burcham (gburcham@purdue.edu) or

Melissa Macias Rioseco ( mmaciasrioseco@ucdavis.edu).



Registration for the Histopathology Test is now open for 2026. The registration fee is $75.00, which covers all materials and administrative processing for this year’s examination. We encourage participants to register early to ensure timely access to all required information and resources. Thank you for your continued commitment to professional development and excellence in diagnostic laboratory medicine

• Annual Meeting Proceediings
• View all abrstracts and Posters
• View notes from Plenary Sessions
• See student Testimonials

Click here for full article:

Veterinary Jobs - American Association of Veterinary...

The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians offers the top jobs available in Veterinary diagnostic labs. Search and apply to open positions or post jobs on the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians now.

Contact: rozuna@aavld.org

AAVLD membership is open to any individual interested in the disciplines and activities of veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Membership terms are by calendar year (January-December) and membership dues are payable by November 15th of the preceding year (to ensure inclusion in the annual membership directory, eligibility for committee involvement, and receipt of all six issues of the JVDI). Note: In order to receive a discounted rate for the Annual Meeting registration, you are required to be a current AAVLD Member.

For your generous support of the AAVLD Scholarship Banquet and Auction. This year, we raised $16,678.00. These funds enable us to sponsor student/staff travel, as well as other organizational awards. We expose many young lab scientists to exciting career opportunities at animal health diagnostic laboratories. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  

Go to AAVLD Foundation Auction More details ...