December 2024
Newsletter Content
KAHDL Staff Spotlight | Dr. Rahul Kumar, DVM, MS, PhD
Dr. Rahul Kumar is a Veterinary Pathologist with more than a decade of experience in academic, research, and diagnostic pathology. He excels in combining pathology with molecular virology, whole genome sequencing, immunodiagnostics, and vaccine development to address complex animal health issues. Dr. Kumar holds a PhD in Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology from the University of Minnesota, along with an MS and DVM from India. His commitment to advancing animal health, coupled with his expertise and dedication to professional development, positions him as a leader and innovator in the field of veterinary pathology. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is lucky to have Dr. Kumar as the acting Pathology Manager.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
While the most common types of avian influenza are routinely detected in wild birds and cause little concern, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strains of avian influenza pose greater concern due to their rapid spread amongst birds and the high mortality rate. Helping your client understand the importance of defending their flock with biosecurity measures and knowing the signs of illness is critical. HPAI in birds causes respiratory and neurological symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, discoloration of the combs and wattle, stumbling, twisted neck, and sometimes sudden death. Suspected cases should be reported immediately to the State Veterinarian's office at 615-837-5120. Many resources exist to help owners understand HPAI, the symptoms, farm and flock biosecurity, emergency response efforts, and more. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory provides necropsy or diagnostic testing for domestic birds only. Please contact TWRA for any cases involving wild birds.
New Specimen Accepted for Tritrichomonas foetus PCR Testing
The Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is now accepting preputial washes and smegma samples received in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for Tritrichomonas foetus PCR testing. Samples should be placed in a tube with 1.5 mL of PBS or sterile saline and stored at refrigerator temperature. Please ship with ice packs. KAHDL will still accept "InPouch TF" samples. For more information, please check out the Test Catalog or call 615-837-5125.
The new HPAI Bovine Sample Submission Form is available on our website. Please use this submission form for all HPAI bovine milk submissions. All fields must be completed for submissions. Be sure to contact us for Premise ID information before submitting samples. For questions about the form or process, please call us at 615-837-5125.