Volume V11-12 l November / December 2025 | | |
I am excited to begin serving as your AAVLD President. AAVLD has been a huge part of my professional growth in veterinary diagnostics, as well as the avenue through which I have met so many friends and colleagues. It is a true honor to give back to an organization and a field that has given me so much.
As I write this, we are all hard at work in our individual labs meeting the needs of our clients, our industries, and our regulatory agencies, all of whom rely on us to provide accurate and timely diagnoses. At the organizational level, we have also been hard at work this year. Our AAVLD Executive Committee members successfully advocated for a national H5N1 milk surveillance program and early detection through bulk tank testing. Our Government Relations Committee ensured that our national leaders understood the critical role that AAVLD labs play in protecting animal health, advocated for additional funding for the NAHLN (provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill), and buffered workforce disruptions earlier this year. The Accreditation Program continues to make progress towards becoming an accredited accrediting body. In partnership with the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine, we are launching an experiential opportunity in VDLs for veterinarians interested in a career change. In partnership with NAHLN, Michigan State University, and Colorado State University, we were able to provide workforce development opportunities for AAVLD staff via two Next Generation Sequencing Symposia. More workforce development programs are in the works for 2026!
If 2026 is anything like the last few years, it will bring new challenges and opportunities. With the support of our fantastic membership and our Executive Board team, I know that we can tackle anything we are faced with. Thank you for your support of AAVLD and for everything you have done this year to support animal health.
Happy Holidays, and I hope that you all get a chance to spend time with family and friends over the holiday season!
Ashley Hill, DVM, MPVM, PhD
AAVLD President
| | | | Outgoing President's Message | | |
As I transition into the role of Immediate Past-President, I just want to thank you all for working with me through this experience. It’s been such a privilege to serve in this capacity. When Keith Bailey asked me to run for Vice President, I had no idea how rewarding being on the Executive Committee would be.
Over the past few years, we have focused on workforce development through cooperative agreements with NVSL, partnerships with the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine, and our programming at the annual meeting. This year challenged us all in recruiting and retaining talented individuals, and I’m thankful to our partners at USDA and USAHA for working with us to minimize the impacts of decisions out of our control. What is clear is that our work is meaningful and is critical to protecting animal and human health. I so appreciate the team that guided me through the process and set me up for success. Thank you to Jerry Saliki, Eric Burrough, and Keith Poulsen for demonstrating what excellent leadership looks like and making my transition to President easy.
I also want to thank my mentors, Terry McElwain and Tim Baszler, for their support and encouragement, and Dave Zeman and Reda Ozuna for keeping us on task and moving us forward. I’m looking forward to seeing how our organization develops and works for you in the future, under the leadership of Ashley Hill, Paco Uzal, and JQ Zhang. As I reflect on my own journey, I would like to encourage all of you to consider leadership positions in our organization.
AAVLD is a volunteer organization, and we need our membership to be involved to the best of their ability. If you have any hesitation in taking on a leadership position, just know that you have the backing of a strong group of people who are always willing to help you through the process. I hope you all have a chance to recharge and spend time with loved ones over the holidays, and thank you for all that you do!
Tanya LeRoith, DVM, PhD, DACVP
AAVLD Immediate Past President
| | Alexis Thompson, DVM, PhD, DACVPM (Epidemiology) | |
This award recognizes an individual(s) who has demonstrated meritorious achievement or contribution by undertaking special initiatives that advance the mission, values, recognition, and reputation of the organization.
Full award article...
| |  | AAVLD Outstanding Performance Award for Diagnostic Services | Mary Payton, BHS, MBA, MT (ASCP) | The AAVLD Outstanding Performance Award for Diagnostic Services honors a member of an AAVLD laboratory that has performed their duties on behalf of their clients in an outstanding fashion. This may be at the bench conducting diagnostic tests, or by performing a variety of essential laboratory management services such as clerical, fiscal, physical facility, or quality system work. Full award article... | | | 2025 Lifetime Membership Awardees | | |
Mo Salman, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, FACE, Hon. Dipl. AVOHS
Full award article...
| | Francois Elvinger is having some fun in the sun! | | 2025 Annual Meeting Keynote Speakers | | 2025 AAVLD USAHA ANNUAL MEETING PHOTOS | | Thank you to all who submitted scientific abstracts to the 2025 annual meeting. A total of 244 were accepted and published in the Annual Meeting Proceedings, available digitally to all members on our website. The travel awardees are listed below: | | | |
2025 Trainee Travel Awardees
- Jingyi Li, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Suzanna Storms, University of Illinois
- Daniela Hidalgo Montealegre, The Ohio State University
- Mostafa Shelkamy, Iowa State University
- MaRyka Smith, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Ana Castillo-Espinoza, Iowa State University
- Maria Vitoria Peixoto Chaves, Iowa State University
Bacteriology/Foundation sponsored
- Calvin Ko, Iowa State University
Epidemiology/Foundation sponsored
- Berenice Munguia-Ramirez, Iowa State University
Pathology/Foundation sponsored
- Pernille Jorgensen University of California
Virology/Foundation sponsored
- Konner Cool, Kansas State University
Congratulations!
Ashley Hill, DVM, MPVM, PhD
AAVLD 2025 Program Chair
Full 2025 Awardee list
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AAVLD Job Career Center
Current job postings are available.
[READ MORE]
| | | | With the help of a robotic liquid handler, UW–Madison researchers at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) are testing some 5,000 milk samples per month to monitor and prevent H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in the state’s dairy cattle. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison | | |
On a recent Thursday morning, Becky was hard at work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). A few test tubes at a time, hundreds of milk samples were carefully poured, measured and prepared for testing.
Becky doesn’t wear a typical lab coat or safety glasses. Why? Because Becky is a Biomek i5 — that is, a robot.
The automated but closely supervised liquid handler helps streamline and enhance laboratory workflows. And its efficiency is among the reasons that WVDL has emerged as a national leader in the response to H5N1 avian influenza on dairy farms.
Each month, WVDL tests at least one milk sample from every dairy farm in Wisconsin. WVDL’s scientists receive, process, prepare, test and log about 5,000 milk samples per month — all to help prevent an H5N1 outbreak among Wisconsin dairy cattle. The spread of H5N1 would have a potentially significant consequence: the more the virus circulates, the greater the chance new, more dangerous strains could emerge — strains capable of causing severe illness and death across multiple species, including humans. UW–Madison experts say the risk of this is currently low.
The sizable effort is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Milk Testing Strategy, which launched in December 2024 after the bird flu was detected in dairy cattle in some states. The program’s goal is “to go from unknown prevalence to disease freedom across the country,” says Keith Poulsen, director of WVDL and a faculty member at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM).
A federal order bolstering the testing strategy mandates that herd owners with H5N1-positive cattle must submit data to support contact tracing and disease surveillance. It also requires dairy farms and entities handling milk for pasteurization to provide raw milk samples for testing. WVDL, which is designated a Level 1 National Animal Health Laboratory Network lab, plays a primary role in that testing.
Full article...
| | Experiential Opportunities in Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories | | |
A Collaboration Between:
American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD)
and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Public & Corporate Veterinary Medicine (CPCVM)
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Overview and Purpose:
The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), together with the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine (CPCVM) are offering an experiential opportunity for veterinarians in which they will learn about activities and career opportunities in the veterinary diagnostic field. This experiential opportunity will take place over a period of 1 to 4 weeks, and veterinarians will have the opportunity to meet with multiple diagnosticians and staff at their respective veterinary diagnostic laboratories to better understand the roles of laboratory diagnostic veterinarians and explore the various career paths available.
These experiential opportunities will benefit participating AAVLD diagnostic laboratories by providing an opportunity to have veterinarians support ongoing activities and projects in various concentrations, including pathology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, parasitology, and more. In addition, these experiences allow AAVLD to network with, shape, and assess potential future employees.
Locations and facilities: Experiential opportunities will be located at participating AAVLD diagnostic veterinary laboratories. A list of participating laboratories will be identified and maintained by AAVLD, with annual updates.
For full agreement and instructions...
AAVLD Point of contact:
Dr. Dave Zeman, Executive Director of AAVLD: dzeman@aavld.org
VMCVM-CPCVM Points of Contact:
● Dr. Cassidy Rist, Director, CPCVM: crist6@vt.edu
● Megan Perry, Administrative Assistant, CPCVM: meganbp@vt.edu
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Bring on the news!
AAVLD Membership, please send your laboratory news to Dave Zeman, Executive Director dzeman@aavld.org
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Thank you, Committee Chairs for for your committee report submissions!
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
'2025 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.
| | AAVLD Committee Open Enrollment Deadline is January 16, 2026 | | |
Committee enrollment for AAVLD is now open. Members are invited to join or renew their participation in the committees that help drive our mission forward. Enrollment opened on November 15 and will remain open until January 16, 2026.
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.
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. Therefore, a cochair is needed from each organization, as well as new AAVLD members. Any AAVLD members interested in joining this new joint committee should complete the committee open enrollment form to express their interest by January 16th.
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)
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Systemic toxoplasmosis in weaned pigs in Pennsylvania, USA, with a brief review of the literature, Rodrigo C. Paiva, Eric R. Burrough, Christopher L. Siepker, Mike Pierdon, Anthony Holowka, Darin M. Madson
Abstract. Toxoplasma gondii is an important apicomplexan parasite in veterinary medicine, with swine prevalence varying due to age, geographic distribution, and production program. Samples from a 6-wk-old pig from a small backyard farm with multisystemic disease concerns were submitted to the Iowa State University–Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Gross findings included severe necrotizing enteritis with pseudomembrane formation and edematous, non-collapsing lungs. Histologic findings were severe necrotizing enterocolitis and random multifocal pulmonary and hepatic necrosis with numerous intralesional protozoal cysts consistent with T. gondii. Immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR), and serologic tests were positive for T. gondii; concurrent influenza A virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine circovirus 2, African swine fever virus, and classical swine fever virus were ruled out by RT-rtPCR. Given the worldwide distribution and zoonotic potential of T. gondii, the possibility of infection in swine should be considered. More
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The Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation is the official journal of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The mission of the Journal is to educate by informing readers of progress in veterinary laboratory medicine and related fields of endeavor. The key objectives of the JVDI are to promote the science of veterinary laboratory medicine and the betterment of animal and public health. JVDI fully supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in our publishing activities.
Editor-in-chief, Dr. Grant Maxie / https://journals.sagepub.com/home/VDI
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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/
| | AAVLD Pathology Committee and Cornell University Searchable IHC and ISH assays | | |
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 | | |
2024 Annual Meeting Gallery
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The 2024 Annual Meeting Proceedings book is available to all members:
Go to the AAVLD Recourse menu and select CE Resources and Archive submenu.
Take a look
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- Annual Meeting Proceediings
- View all abrstracts and Posters
- View notes from Plenary Sessions
- See student Testimonials
Click here for full article:
| | Take advantage of the terrific AAVLD resources offered to our members | |
| Veterinary Jobs - American Association of Veterinary... | | | | |
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
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2027 Renewals are due by November 15!
'Membership is January to December'
| | 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. | | Did your membership Lapse? | |
Please select 'Renew Now' to access the Lapsed Membership renewal form. www.aavld.org ->Quick Links->Renew Now->here you can access the Lapsed Membership Form.
| | AAVLD & News Worthy Events | | |
2026 Accreditation Committee Meeting/Audit Pool Training
Monday, February 2-3, 2026
2026 Executive Board Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 4, 2026
AAVLD/USAHA Annual Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin
October 15-21, 2026
AAVLD Meeting Calendar
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Do you have ideas to improve the AAVLD annual meeting? Contact David Zeman dzeman@aavld.org
Would you like to sponsor an event? Contact
What ever your contribution to the AAVLD mission, we need you!
| | THANK YOU TO OUR AFFILIATED INDUSTRY SUSTAINING MEMBERS | |
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Sample to Insight - QIAGEN | QIAGEN delivers Sample to Insights solutions that enable customers to unlock insights from the building blocks of life - DNA, RNA and proteins. | | | |
2025 AAVLD Partners
Thank you for your sponsorships!
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Advanced Technology Corp. | Veterinary Practice Management Software, Laboratory Information Management Software | | | Enhancing the health and well-being of pets, people, and livestock. | | | |
Architecture, interior design, planning, and landscape design for universities, healthcare facilities, businesses, cultural and civic institutions, sports and recreation, and more. | | | |
Engineering, Architecture, & Geospatial Solutions | Merrick & Company | Merrick provides engineering, architecture, surveying, and geospatial solutions that fit your needs. Whether that's finding the most cost-effective alternative, using an innovative approach, or choosing the tried-and-true solution. | | | INDICAL BIOSCIENCE | Improving veterinary diagnostics | INDICAL is a leading provider of veterinary diagnostic workflows, innovative solutions, associated protocols, and expert technical support. | | | |
Veterinary Medical Research & Development - VMRD | VMRD is your diagnostic partner! VMRD develops and manufactures veterinary diagnostic test kits and reagents and performs biologics testing. | | | |
Longhorn Vaccines & Diagnostics | PrimeStore MTM is a globally trusted predicate device, invented and patented in 2007 to safely and efficiently transport RNA/DNA, even under the most challenging conditions. As the original (De Novo) MTM, it was fully optimized to inactivate pathogens and preserve RNA, mRNA & DNA for safer, more efficient, cost-effective sample testing. | | | |
Animal Health Solutions | Thermo Fisher Scientific - US | Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to the animal health industry, offering products and services designed to help you adapt and succeed in an evolving environment. Learn about how we can support new farm animal testing standards with dependable chemistry, flexible platforms, and government-licensed testing solutions. | | | Frontiers in Veterinary Science | The second most-cited veterinary science journal, bridging animal and human health with a comparative approach to medical challenges. It explores innovative biotechnology and therapy for improved h... | | | |
| | Promega Corporation is a worldwide leader in applying biochemistry and molecular biology to the development of innovative, high-value products for the life sciences. The Promega mission statement is: To be the most responsive supplier of biological reagents and reagent systems used in research and applied technology applications worldwide. | | | |
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management | The Omni-Assistant QMS Software is the most comprehensive Laboratory & Healthcare QMS available. It is process oriented and solves all your quality, compliance and risk management challenges | | | Animal Health, Laboratory Management and Licensing Systems | | | |
At Tetracore, we focus on animal health, domestic preparedness, antibody, clinical, and immunology products. View our products online. | | | Sample to Insight - QIAGEN | QIAGEN delivers Sample to Insights solutions that enable customers to unlock insights from the building blocks of life - DNA, RNA and proteins. | | | | THANK YOU 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. | | |
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AAVLD Foundation Committee
Christie Mayo- Chair
Bruce Akey, Tim Baszler, Beate Crossley, Francois Elvinger, Pat Halbur, Donal O'Toole, Kristy Pabilonia, Jamie Retallick, Kerry Sondgeroth, David Zeman, and Ashley Hill
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The AAVLD Foundation is a non-profit foundation that raises funds for the advancement of veterinary diagnostic laboratory disciplines through scholarship programs, student travel support to our scientific meetings, guest lectures, seminars, professional awards, and research programs. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible 501(c)(3) and donations can be made when you renew your AAVLD membership, at the annual Foundation Banquet and Auction Event, or anytime by visiting our website. Thank you for supporting your AAVLD Foundation!
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