More than a lab: How UK’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory supports animals, ag and public health

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2024) — The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL), situated at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), is more than the name might imply. The facility goes beyond just research. It is an all-encompassing and essential institution for Kentucky’s agriculture, veterinary practice, student education and public health.

While its full role may often go unnoticed, its impact is felt daily by those in agriculture and the general public in Kentucky and beyond.

Craig Carter, the lab’s director, says UKVDL’s core mission remains simple: protect animal and human health.

“This laboratory is a highly specialized operation where science meets necessity,” Carter said. “Tens of thousands of specimens are harvested by animal owners and veterinarians from all over Kentucky to conduct cutting-edge, medical diagnostic testing.”

These specialized tests quickly identify specific causes of animal illnesses and prevent further outbreaks. Carter said this helps to maintain a healthy and wholesome food supply, protect the human-animal bond and provide critical data for disease management.

Additionally, the detection of zoonotic diseases — those transmitted between people and animals — helps protect public health. Thanks to the UKVDL augmenting these industries, the backbone of Kentucky’s overall economy is strengthened.

A laboratory with a mission

The UKVDL has served the region since 1970, providing diagnostic services for veterinarians, farmers and animal owners. While the facility doesn’t treat animals directly, what researchers do there is just as critical.

“Our job is to find answers — answers that veterinarians, farmers and animal owners rely on to save lives or protect livelihoods,” Carter said. “Every test we run or necropsy we perform is about providing clarity and solutions in situations where the stakes can be incredibly high.”

The lab processes more than 300,000 tests annually and conducts more than 3,500 necropsies, or animal autopsies, for more than 3,000 veterinary clinics, hospitals, state and federal agencies. These cases range from routine health checks to complex investigations involving diseases that could devastate entire herds or flocks.

In Kentucky, agriculture is more than an economic activity; it is part of the cultural identity. The state is home to tens of thousands of cattle farms and is renowned as the heart of the nation’s Thoroughbred industry. These animals’ health directly affects thousands of livelihoods, both for farmers and the general public.

Laboratory necropsies

Necropsies play a pivotal role in the lab’s operations. Pathologists examine the body visually, collect tissue samples and run a battery of tests including toxicology, bacteriology and molecular biology.

Take the case of one cattle producer who experienced unexplained deaths among his herd. UKVDL discovered that arsenic from old, decaying wood in the pasture was to blame. The finding allowed the farmer to address the issue, saving his remaining livestock and averting future losses.

Equines, particularly Thoroughbreds, are a source of great pride for Kentucky. Nearly half of UKVDL’s necropsy cases involve horses. From racehorses to farm animals, the lab provides critical diagnostics that support the industry.

During one foaling season, an outbreak of rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea, threatened young horses across multiple farms. Despite exhaustive efforts, veterinarians struggled to identify the cause. With the assistance of other national labs, UKVDL’s diagnostic microbiology sections ultimately helped identify a novel strain of the virus.

This breakthrough enabled the development of new prevention strategies and laid the groundwork for vaccine research.

“That rotavirus outbreak was one of the more challenging cases we’ve faced,” said Alan Loynachan, UKVDL associate director and pathologist. “The disease didn’t look like anything we’d encountered before, and it wasn’t showing up in the usual tests. But once we identified that novel strain, it changed everything. Farms could adjust their management practices and veterinarians knew how to respond. Without those findings, the economic and emotional toll on the horse industry could have been even more devastating.”

The role of toxicology

The toxicology department, led by veterinary toxicologist Megan Romano, addresses another crucial facet of animal health. When poisons or environmental toxins, such as poisonous plants or even adverse drug interactions, are suspected, toxicology provides the answers to guide treatment.

Romano described a case involving horses exposed to rat poison. By testing blood samples, her team identified which animals required treatment, sparing others from unnecessary medical intervention.

“By testing the horses’ blood, we could identify which animals had been exposed and needed treatment,” Romano said. “That meant the others didn’t have to go through unnecessary procedures, which saved the owner money and kept the unaffected animals comfortable. In cases like that, you see how much of a difference our work can make.”

The department also collaborates with veterinarians and pasture management experts to assess environmental risks. From toxic plants to contaminated water sources, their work helps prevent problems before they occur.

“Many vets don’t get detailed toxicology training in school, so part of my role is helping them understand what to test for and what the results mean,” Romano said. “It’s not just about running tests — it’s about interpreting the data to give them actionable insights.”

Training future veterinarians

Education is one of the lesser-known cornerstones of UKVDL’s operations. Through a partnership with Lincoln Memorial University, senior veterinary students spend two weeks at the lab as part of their curriculum. They learn essential diagnostic skills, from performing necropsies to interpreting test results.

“This lab is where students get to see the diseases they’ve been learning about in the classroom as real cases,” said UKVDL veterinary pathologist Rebecca Ruby. “They’ve spent years studying theory, and now they’re here, on the necropsy floor, starting to put the pieces together from what they’ve learned in textbooks and lectures. Watching students have those ‘aha’ moments is one of my favorite parts of this job.”

The lab also trains pathology residents and supports public outreach programs. UKVDL veterinary pathologist Uneeda Bryant leads initiatives to introduce young people to veterinary science. Her pathology roadshows feature preserved specimens and interactive activities designed to inspire the next generation of scientists.

“Not many people think about veterinary pathology as a career, which makes outreach so important,” Bryant said. “When I go to schools or events, I get to show young people — and even adults — that there’s a whole world of veterinary medicine beyond just being a general practitioner. It’s about opening their eyes to possibilities they might not have considered. I’ve had students come back years later and tell me, ‘You’re the reason I went to vet school.’ Those are the moments that remind me why I do this.”

Public health and research contributions

UKVDL’s impact extends beyond animal health. As a National Animal Health Laboratory Network member, the lab monitors diseases that can cross species lines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, UKVDL adapted to process human samples, alleviating pressure on local health systems.

The lab’s expertise in zoonotic diseases is critical to its work. UKVDL helps identify and mitigate threats that could have broader public health implications, from avian influenza to leptospirosis.

“One of the most important things we do is monitor diseases that can cross species lines,” Loynachan said. “By diagnosing zoonotic diseases in animals, we can often prevent them from spreading to humans. In this area, the stakes are higher. It’s not just about diagnosing what went wrong in one animal; it’s about preventing a ripple effect that could extend to human populations.”

Carter said during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20 veterinary laboratories in the United States, including UKVDL, were running millions of polymerase chain reaction tests on human samples, saving untold human lives.

UKVDL’s diagnostic data repository allows for retrospective studies that inform best practices in veterinary medicine. Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies have led to advancements such as a leptospirosis vaccine for horses, significantly reducing economic losses in the industry.

“Having access to a diagnostic data repository allows us to spot patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed,” Romano said. “For instance, if we see repeated toxicology cases linked to a particular plant or chemical, it’s easier to connect the dots and offer guidance to veterinarians and owners.”

The UKVDL highlights the critical interactions between science, agriculture and public health. Every test, necropsy and toxicology analysis reflects the facility’s commitment to safeguarding animal health, supporting veterinarians and sustaining livelihoods across the region.

“Every case we handle has a story behind it,” Carter said. “A family’s livelihood, an animal’s life, a veterinarian’s reputation — all of these hinge on the answers we provide. That’s a responsibility we never take lightly.”