December 2023
Newsletter Content
Did You Know?
Q-Fever ELISA is now available for herd ruminant testing. Submit 2 mL of serum in a red top tube.
For more information on submission requirements call the lab at (615) 837-5125.
Pathologist Spotlight | Petrina York, D.V.M.
Dr. Petrina York graduated from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1986 with a BS in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary and Agronomy and from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. She is a member of Alpha Zeta, Animal Science Honor Society, and OSU’s chapters of Gamma Sigma Delta (Honor Society of Agriculture) and Phi Zeta (Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine). From graduation until 2004, Dr. York practiced mixed animal medicine. At that time, she began her anatomic pathology residency. Dr. York is also a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the USAR in Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning from deployment, she started a biopsy service in Northwest Arkansas while providing small animal relief work. In 2018, Dr. York joined KAHDL as an anatomic pathologist, and in 2023 she was recognized as a recipient of the Outstanding Tennessee State Veteran Employee Award. We are thankful for Dr. York’s service to our country as well as her continued service in state government to owners, producers, and our regulatory partners.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease in mammals that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing encephalitis and death. You should report animal bites from wild animals and domestic pets to your local health department and local animal control office. Visit the Tennessee Department of Health's webpage to learn more about sample submission and post-exposure protocols.
Suspension of Companion Animal Biopsy
The C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (Kord) is temporarily suspending companion animal biopsy service effective January 1, 2024. Starting that date, Kord will only accept biopsy specimens from food and fiber animals. Biopsy specimens from companion animals received after that date will be offered two options:
1. The sample can be shipped back to the submitting clinic for a $25.00 shipping and handling fee, OR
2. The sample can be shipped to an alternate laboratory to be chosen by the client, and the submitting clinic will be charged a $25.00 shipping and handling fee. The submitting clinic will also be responsible for payment of all fees associated with the biopsy at the alternate laboratory.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions, we are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Our direct line is (615) 837-5125.
Blastomycosis
Blackleg is a disease of pastured animals and tends to occur in the summer when pastures are moist and growing. Detailed pathogenesis of blackleg is still uncertain, but many of the following proposed life cycle have been confirmed. Death ensues rapidly and seldom does the animal survive more than 24-36 hours after the onset of symptoms. Click on the link below to read more about the lifecycle and diagnosis of blackleg.
KAHDL wants your feedback
comments, and reviews. The feedback link can be found on the final report email. Questions change monthly and we encourage you to comment frequently to help us improve services.
