We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new Poultry Diagnostic Unit at the University of Tennessee, which will be called the “VIP Unit (Virology/Immunology Poultry Unit)”. This expansion in our test offerings represents a significant advancement in our commitment to enhancing poultry health and biosecurity within our community and beyond. The new diagnostic unit will provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including advanced testing for various avian diseases, pathogen identification, and epidemiological studies. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative research methods, we aim to support poultry producers with accurate and timely diagnoses, enabling effective disease management and prevention strategies. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to fostering collaboration with local farmers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders. Together, we will work towards maintaining healthy poultry populations, ensuring food safety, and safeguarding public health. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone as we continue to lead the way in veterinary diagnostics and agricultural innovation.
There are three major ways we wish to bring top-of-the-line poultry diagnostics to Eastern Tennessee and beyond. Firstly, we are undergoing the process of receiving National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certification. This process is voluntary and will allow us to provide approved Mycoplasma, Salmonella, and Avian Influenza testing platforms to any NPIP approved flock. We are aiming to have all of these requirements fulfilled for NPIP status by 2026. This will also prove our commitment to improving biosecurity, poultry welfare, and producer outcomes.
As a part of this endeavor, our second objective is to complete ISO 17025 accreditation, a globally recognized standard of testing and calibration of laboratories. Achieving this certification underscores our dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards in diagnostic testing for the VIP and Virology/Immunology laboratory at UTCVM. We aim to have this completed in 2025.
Lastly, once we achieve ISO 17025 accreditation, to provide avian influenza molecular diagnostics to our stakeholders, we will be entering the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
Only laboratories within NAHLN are approved to conduct AI PCR diagnostics on domestic poultry. This partnership ensures access to cutting-edge diagnostics and rapid, accurate detection of avian influenza, crucial for effective disease management and containment. By aligning with NAHLN standards, we provide reliable data that supports public health initiatives, enhances biosecurity measures within the poultry industry, and ultimately helps protect both animal and human health. This integration strengthens our commitment to delivering timely and precise diagnostic services, fostering trust and confidence among our community and industry partners. We hope to have this achieved in 2026.
We welcome you to our bright future at the VIP Unit, Virology/Immunology Diagnostic Lab, and the Diagnostic Lab Services as a whole at UTCVM. A list of our initial offerings are included below, and in the new submission form and updated testing manuals:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum, meleagridis, and synoviae ELISAs
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum and synoviae (MG/MS) qPCR
- Salmonella multispecies spp. qPCR
- Salmonella Pullorum Plate Test
- Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) types A, B, and C ELISA
- Lymphoproliferative disease virus PCR
- Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) Antibody ELISA
- Avian Leukosis Virus (ALV) p27 Antigen ELISA
- Avian Sexing, Psittacine Blood PCR
We look forward to offering more tests for Marek’s Disease Virus, Avian Leukosis Virus subtypes, and more in Summer of 2025! Stay tuned!
