As we prepare to emerge from this pandemic, I believe that we’re witnessing a pivotal turning point in diagnostic medicine. While veterinary diagnostic laboratories have been recognized as playing a critical role in animal and human health since their inception—testing for surveillance and detection of infectious diseases, tracking antimicrobial resistance, monitoring the health of our pets and livestock, and ensuring food safety—the last year and a half provided ample opportunities for veterinary diagnostic laboratories such as the MSU VDL to demonstrate relevance in the response and management of a public health crisis.
As many of you are likely aware, the MSU VDL not only provided SARS-CoV-2 testing for animals and humans, but also remained fully operational to support everyday diagnostic needs, including ongoing testing and expertise in pathology, bacteriology, parasitology, virology, endocrinology, cancer diagnostics, nutrition, and toxicology.
Working in a laboratory is, by its very nature, a hands-on job that cannot be accomplished through remote work. It often demands short turnaround times to report results, as any delay in testing can negatively impact the health of the animals entrusted to our care. The mission—and the animals and people behind the samples—were always at the forefront of the VDL team’s mind. Thanks entirely to the dedication and commitment of VDL faculty and staff, we provided uninterrupted service throughout the pandemic. I am very proud to be among the newest members of this team.
As we look to the future, with a renewed emphasis on the necessity and power of diagnostic laboratories that is emboldened by rapidly evolving technologies, there is no limit to the MSU VDL’s potential contribution to protect animal and human health locally, nationally, and globally.
Although I have been here just a short time, I know that we would not be where we are as a laboratory without the trust and respect of our clients. Thank you for choosing the MSU VDL as a partner to help you manage and protect the health of the patients in your care.