Mission Statement
To deliver high-quality veterinary diagnostics and exemplary customer service to promote animal and public health and the vitality of the State and National agricultural economy.
Quality
We are fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). AAVLD laboratories are guaranteed to have consistent practices and defined programs. This achievement allows us to:
- be a trusted source for information concerning the diagnosis and monitoring of animal health and disease surveillance.
- continuously improve laboratory techniques and processes.
All WVDL personnel take a proactive role in our Quality Management System.
Our Madison lab a designated National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Level 1 laboratory. NAHLN laboratories offer animal health diagnostic testing, methods research and development, and expertise for education and extension to detect biological threats to the nation’s animal agriculture. With this achievement, we can protect animal health, public health, and the nation’s food supply.
Quality and Safety Leaders at WVDL
Kristin Zuzek
Credentials: MS
Position title: Quality Manager/Compliance Director
Email:
kristin.zuzek
Phone: 715-637-3151 ext. 122
Maegen Howes-Podoll
Position title: Quality Coordinator
Email:
Maegen.HowesPodoll
Phone: 608-890-1546
Deb Hartley
Position title: Safety Specialist and Quality Coordinator
Email:
Deb.Hartley
Phone: 608-262-5890
How we support Wisconsin
The legislature created the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory with a specific line of funding in the State budget, yet we are also part of the Universities of Wisconsin and administered by the UW-Madison Campus. With these relationships we must:
- provide testing and diagnostic services for all types of animals, including fish, in this state, with emphasis on services for farm animals.
- provide the diagnostic services necessary to meet the requirements for accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD).
- provide the testing and diagnostic services needed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to discharge the department’s responsibilities related to disease control and animal health.
- maintain a regional laboratory in the city of Barron, Wisconsin.
- cooperate with the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to do research and participate in the provision of field services, consultation services, and education as determined by our board.
We pride ourselves on our customer service, dedication, and forward thinking. Many members of our doctoral staff have national reputations for being leaders in their field. As part of the Wisconsin Idea, we strive to be global leaders for diagnostic testing and have shown our excellence in the dairy industry, the bull stud industry, and emerging infectious diseases. Our Barron Laboratory is an important part of the National Poultry Improvement Program (NPIP) through its service to the poultry industry.
We welcome the opportunity to impress you with our quality testing and customer service. Thank you for considering the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Our History
Early 1930s: Veterinary diagnostic activities started on the University of Wisconsin (UW) campus with the Dean of the College of Agriculture and the state Director (now Secretary) of Agriculture, who saw the need to offer animal disease diagnostic assistance to the veterinarians and producers in the state. The original space was in Agriculture Hall on the UW-Madison campus. There was such a demand for the service that they soon needed more people and space.
1938: the College of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture gave land to build a new facility. That facility, now used for other purposes, is just west of the current laboratory. They chose that location to be close to the federal (USDA) hog cholera antiserum production facility and called it the Wisconsin Animal Health Laboratory.
1958: The Barron laboratory opened to serve the poultry industry in the Northwest part of the state.
1964: A larger facility was built on Madison’s west side. This facility, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), allowed the lab to increase its test offerings and service. Since there were major bull stud companies in Wisconsin, the laboratory became (and continues to be) the main provider of testing services for the bovine artificial insemination industries.
1992: The laboratory moved into a new facility due to growing business. The Barron lab continues to serve both the poultry and dairy industries.
1999: Wisconsin Act 107 (1999 Senate Bill 358) established our lab. With that Act, they transferred the Wisconsin Animal Health Laboratory from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to the University of Wisconsin System and renamed it the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). This change was a collaboration between the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA), the School of Veterinary Medicine, and the State of Wisconsin.
2002: We became a core laboratory in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) of the USDA. This designation lets us be a full partner to state and federal agencies in protecting animal agriculture.
2006: Our current laboratory on Easterday Lane opened its doors. This state-of-the-art facility was born of support from the State, the UW, and the increasing demand for diagnostics. We have continued to grow and currently employ over 100 people.
Into the future, we will always aim to sustain and improve animal and public health.