C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Lab

NOTICE:  The C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (Kord) has temporarily suspended the companion animal biopsy service.

Kord is currently only accepting biopsy specimens from food and fiber animals.

Biopsy specimens from companion animals can either:
- be shipped back to the submitting clinic for a $25 shipping and handling fee, OR
- be shipped to an alternate laboratory to be chosen by the client, and the submitting clinic will be charged a $25 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.

March 12, 2025: BVD-PI ELISA Testing:

Kord Lab will be accepting serum samples for BVD-PI ELISA. As per the ELISA product insert, ear notches and serum are acceptable samples for testing.

Please note that only serum samples from precolostral newborn calves or calves older than three months of age are suitable for testing in this ELISA kit. Maternal BVDV antibodies, which can be passed to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of colostrum intake, can interfere with this ELISA to produce false-negative results in PI calves. The level of maternal antibody decreases as the calf ages. This interference can be prevented by specifying age requirements for animals tested by this ELISA. Ear notches are acceptable samples for testing for all ages, including calves less than 3 months old.

Should a non-negative result occur with a serum submission, we recommend submitting an ear notch for additional testing.

The C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory provides free animal testing for food and fiber animals residing in Tennessee. Companion animal testing is offered for a low cost.

By providing diagnostic services to food and fiber animal producers, we serve the needs of the livestock industry and promote animal health within the state. One of our primary goals is to quickly provide a diagnosis for herd health problems so that practicing veterinarians can provide effective treatment and management advice to area producers and prevent further herd losses.

Providing reduced-cost services for companion animals serves the needs of Tennessee pet owners and veterinarians. Monitoring animals in close contact with people aids in detection of emerging zoonotic diseases (passed from animals to people), anthroponotic infectious diseases (passed from people to animals), and environmental toxins. This function supports the vital worldwide collaboration among public and animal health officials known as the One Health initiative.

KAHDL supports animal disease diagnosis and regulatory activities within Tennessee. This includes post-mortem diagnostics and diagnostic testing on specimens from live animals, such as surgical biopsies (*currently on food and fiber animals only), and tissues to diagnose animal disease processes or to meet regulatory requirements. *Charges for any animal not residing in Tennessee will be based off the companion animal fees.

Kord Lab Hours: Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We are closed on state holidays. Animals for necropsy should be dropped off before 3:30 p.m. If you have any questions please call 615-837-5125.