AAVLD Labs Engaged with Coronavirus Pandemic Response

By DH Zeman

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues its march across the USA, several AAVLD animal health laboratories have been engaged in a variety of ways in the battle to manage this outbreak. These are unprecedented times, and therefore unprecedented opportunities to serve have been presented to the diagnostic scientists and leaders in our animal health laboratories.  The stories we are hearing include supplying diagnostic supplies, equipment and viral transport media to public health laboratories, performing tests on animals in high risk situations such as companion pets in nursing homes, and performing testing on human specimens via special authorization by state and federal officials.  AAVLD leaders are not surprised by the capabilities, commitment and dedication to these efforts by our members… we have seen it before applied to devastating animal health outbreaks.  Thank you veterinary laboratory diagnosticians for stepping up and serving in such an outstanding fashion!  Some stories below tell more…excerpted with permission from a variety of original sources: 

WSU laboratory begins limited testing for COVID‑19 virus

April 1, 2020 

HEALTH & MEDICINE

ISU-UI collaboration accelerates testing of COVID-19 samples

Posted Mar 26, 2020 2:15 pm

Health care providers who would like to submit samples to be tested can find step-by-step instructions and necessary forms on this page. 

Individuals must go to a health care provider or mobile test station to have a sample taken.