Tom Tabler
Professor and Extension Poultry Specialist
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) is thrilled to announce the opening of their new Poultry Diagnostic Unit at the University of Tennessee, which will be called the “VIP Unit (Virology/Immunology Poultry Unit)”. This expansion in test offerings represents a significant advancement in UTCVM’s 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, the new unit aims to support poultry producers with accurate and timely diagnoses, enabling effective disease management and prevention strategies. The unit’s dedicated team of experts is committed to fostering collaboration with local farmers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders across Tennessee, and specifically throughout Eastern Tennessee. 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 the new poultry unit wishes to bring top-of-the-line poultry diagnostics to Eastern Tennessee and beyond. Firstly, the unit is undergoing the process of receiving National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certification. This process is voluntary and will allow the unit to provide approved Mycoplasma, Salmonella, and Avian Influenza testing platforms to any NPIP approved flock. The goal is to have all of these requirements fulfilled for NPIP status by 2026. This will further demonstrate the unit’s commitment to improving biosecurity, poultry welfare, and producer outcomes.
As a part of this endeavor, the second objective is to complete ISO 17025 accreditation, a globally recognized standard of testing and calibration of laboratories. Achieving this certification underscores the staff’s dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards in diagnostic testing for the VIP and Virology/Immunology Laboratory at UTCVM. This objective should be 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 (NAHLN).
Only laboratories within NAHLN are approved to conduct avian influenza 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, the poultry unit can 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 the commitment to delivering timely and precise diagnostic services, fostering trust and confidence among the local community and industry partners. The goal is to enter the NAHLN system in 2026.
Let me be the first to welcome you to a bright future at the VIP Unit, Virology/Immunology Diagnostic Lab, and the Diagnostic Lab Services as a whole at UTCVM. A list of 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
The new VIP Unit looks forward to offering more tests for Marek’s Disease Virus, Avian Leukosis Virus subtypes, and more in Summer of 2025! Stay tuned for more exciting news coming in the future!
The sample submission form for the new Virology/Immunology Poultry Unit can be found at the link above and at the link below:
https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/DLS_Virology_Avian-Poultry.pdf
UT Animal Science/Extension continues to monitor the avian influenza situation and is committed to supporting our stakeholders and clientele throughout this continuing threat. As stewards of animal health and welfare across the livestock and poultry industries, our team of experts are constantly reviewing this changing and challenging situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary.
