For over 50 years the NHVDL has been diagnosing animal diseases in NH and its surrounding region. The lab provides surveillance for high consequence diseases that impact animal health, public health, agriculture, tourism and the economy. In addition to our veterinary clients, there are numerous state agencies and organizations that utilize the lab’s services, both from inside and outside NH.
For more information on how we can help meet your animal health diagnostic needs, or if you are a new client, please contact the lab at 862-2726. Additional information such as prices and submission forms can be found below.
NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (NH DAMF)
The NHVDL was established through an act of the NH legislature in 1969 to assist the NH Commissioner of Agriculture and State Veterinarian in their efforts to monitor and control important animal diseases, which present a significant threat to animal and human health. The NHVDL assists this department in a variety of ways including routine surveillance of agricultural diseases such as Brucellosis, Johne’s, Avian Influenza and Poultry Pullorum/Typhoid.
NH DAMF
NH Public Health Laboratory (NHPHL)
The majority of infectious diseases in people are considered zoonotic and are found in other animal species that serve as source for human infection. Over 75% of new emerging infectious diseases in humans (such as Coronavirus infections) are zoonotic in their origins. Whether it be through direct animal contact, insect vectors, or indirectly through the food we eat, animal health is directly linked to human health. The NHVDL works closely with the NHPHL for the testing of diseases such as rabies, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus as well as epidemiologic investigations into Salmonella and other foodborne outbreaks. The NHVDL is also designated as a sentinel lab in the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) for bioterrorism surveillance. As a member of the LRN our lab is always on the lookout for the emergence of bioterrorism agents such as Anthrax, Brucellosis, Plague, Tularemia and others.
Wildlife Agencies and Licensed Rehabbers
The lab has a well established history of working with state and federal wildlife agencies in the diagnosis and surveillance of wildlife disease. Wildlife health is also significant to human and domesticated animals given the close proximity and interactions that occur at the intersection of developed and undeveloped lands. From moose to bobcat, there are numerous wildlife species that add to the beauty and wilds of NH. The NHVDL is glad to do its part to protect this vital resource and work closely with these agencies throughout New England.
Preservation Agencies and Science Centers
Preservation agencies and science centers routinely use the lab’s diagnostic services to diagnoses diseases in or perform autopsies on the various animal species they protect or are part of their collections.
Zoos & Aquariums
The NHVDL provides diagnostic services to zoo and aquarium clients from around the country. Some of our boarded pathologists also have specialty training and experience in these exotic species.
Law Enforcement Agencies
The lab works closely with local and state law enforcement agencies to provide necropsy services, forensics and legal documentation of abuse cases. These clients routinely submit autopsy submissions from cases of abuse and neglect. In addition to our routine necropsy submission form, the lab also has chain of custody paperwork available and provides options for a full legal exam which includes thorough photo documentation.
Marine Mammal Stranding
The New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the University of New Hampshire has partnered with Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue to help diagnose the cause of deaths of marine mammals found on the Northern New England seacoast. Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue is one of 15 members of the Greater Atlantic Regional Stranding Network (servicing Maine to Virginia) overseen by NOAA Fisheries. The data collected by all partner organizations is reported to the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program National Database and used by scientists for a variety of reasons, such as to monitor populations and their health, visualize trends, track human interaction, and understand spread of disease.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
The lab receives all required federal inspections, audits, proficiency testing and certifications for the agricultural regulatory testing that we provide. Some of these USDA programs include Equine Infectious Anemia, Brucellosis, Johne’s and Bovine Leukosis. These approvals also include surveillance for Poultry Diseases such as (Pullorum/Typhoid, Mycoplasma & Avian Influenza). Our lab is a fully authorized lab under the USDA National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). Our boarded pathologists in necropsy are also available to assist our state and regional federal veterinarians in their surveillance of foreign animal diseases (FADs) or other program diseases such as Scrapie, CWD and BSE. We rely on the USDA National Veterinary Services Lab (NVSL) and National Foreign Animal Disease lab, as confirmatory labs for certain high consequence diseases. Our regional APHIS VS office is located in Uxbridge Massachusetts. They can be reached at (508) 363-2290
UNH Cooperative Extension
The NHVDL is glad to work with the many extension agents who educate about livestock health and management. This relationship is an excellent opportunity for producers to learn about the servcies the lab provides and how they can work with extension and their veterinarians to ensure they are receiving any necessary diagnostics for their herd and flock health. UNH Cooperative Extension
Test & Price List
If your agency has not worked with the NHVDL before please contact the lab first to ensure you are approved to submit samples.
For certain agencies affiliated with networks, or state contracts, reduced pricing may apply.
Our current prices are effective from Jan 1, 2024
Submission Forms
Supplemental Forms
Additional forms need to accompany necropsy submissions if rabies, WNV/EEE are being tested.
Business Services
If you are a new client please contact the lab so proper payment can be included with shipment. If you plan to use the lab on a regular basis we ask that you set up an account so that invoices/billing can happen on a convenient monthly schedule. To establish an account please fill out and submit a commercial application.
Reporting Results
The lab encourages electronic reporting of lab results. In addition clients can also receive FAX or paper mailed reports. Electronic reports can be emailed to the practice, veterinarian or both. Electronic reporting is simple, free and convenient.
- Even Faster Results
- Greater Security
- No More Jammed FAX machines
- No More cut off or blurry text
- Less Paper
Reportable Diseases
Diagnostic laboratories are required to report the diagnoses of certain infectious diseases to state and/or federal regulatory officials. Referring veterinarians will be notified if reports to regulatory officials are made.
