Lasher Lab: Poultry Diagnostics

Lasher Lab's primary mission is to represent the first line of defense against poultry diseases. One of the ways the lab ensures poultry health for both commercial and non-commercial cases is through diagnostic testing. Diagnostic services available at Lasher Laboratory include poultry necropsy and clinical diagnosis, bacteriology (including food safety), mycology, serology, and molecular diagnostic testing. Diagnostic virology and histopathology support is provided in Newark by faculty and staff at the Charles C. Allen Laboratory and Townsend Hall. As a NAHLN (National Animal Health Laboratory Network) laboratory, the Lasher Laboratory routinely performs surveillance for avian influenza and exotic Newcastle disease.

The avian influenza surveillance program includes pre-slaughter testing of commercial broiler chickens, routine surveillance of backyard flocks, and testing of diseased flocks. The UDPHS laboratories are Level 2 members of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and accredited (Certificate Number: 3585.01) to the ISO17025 standard by the A2LA to perform official avian influenza virus and virulent Newcastle disease virus diagnostic PCR based testing.  The Lasher Laboratory is also approved by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) organization to perform AI AGID/ELISA, Salmonella Group D, and Mycoplasma testing.