Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories

Welcome to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Nathan Cobb Drive, Charles Sturt University (CSU), Wagga Wagga . This purpose built complex opened in 2010 as part of the CSU Veterinary Science Program.

The VDL is a highly secure facility built around the post mortem room, which caters for all animals, ranging from small birds, wildlife and pets through to farm livestock and horses. 

The VDL has been built as a commercial laboratory which also meets undergraduate teaching needs for the senior students in the Veterinary Science program. This facility also provides:

• Diagnostic pathology, histopathology, microbiology, molecular biology, haematology, biochemistry and cytology services to livestock producers, carers of native wildlife , owners of companion /racing horses and pets in regional NSW, ACT and Northern Victoria through their local veterinarians by way of a referral service .
• Parasitology samples from farmers and feedlots.
• Protection of the livestock industries of regional NSW, the ACT and Victoria against outbreaks of emergency animal diseases by promptly investigating unusual occurrences of disease.
• Critical surveillance information to veterinary regulatory authorities.
• Facilitation of the movement of livestock and livestock products interstate and overseas by carrying out certification testing.
• Support for the livestock processing industries by carrying out regulatory testing.

Why are veterinary diagnostic services important?

Veterinary diagnostic services are very important to the nation and its livestock industries. At the individual farm level, a clinical diagnosis is often not confirmed until laboratory examinations have been performed. A rapid diagnosis of the cause of sickness or death will frequently reduce further economic losses and allow the timely implementation of control and preventative measures. At the regional and national level, accurate diagnosis of animal disease informs the surveillance programs which monitor disease occurrence and provide an early warning of an increased incidence or the appearance of a disease which has not previously been recognised in the region.

The educational, advisory and consultative roles of the diagnostic laboratory scientists are critical for maintaining a country's capacity to respond to new and emerging threats, and to new opportunities to improve the health, welfare and food safety of animals and humans.

The superintendent of the VDL is Professor Shane Raidal and the VDL is open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.  Emergency services are available as needed.  Enquiries can be made by telephoning (02) 6933 4000 or by emailing vdl@csu.edu.au.