Update from the Director

The view from the Director’s office

Finally, this long winter is over and spring has (reluctantly) arrived. At the AHL, we have just finished hosting the national Canadian Animal Health Laboratorians Network (CAHLN) conference. This meeting brings together veterinary laboratory workers from across the country, originating from a variety of organizations that include provincial and university diagnostic laboratories, CFIA, veterinary colleges and researchers. It was a great opportunity to network with colleagues and to catch up on the latest technologies (whole genome sequencing, machine learning, artificial intelligence) that will transform the way in which we will work in the coming years. One Health was also a topic of interest at this conference, most especially how to understand and combat misinformation. Many thanks to all the AHL staff who helped to organize the conference and who presented at the meeting!

After 7 years at the helm of AHL, I will be retiring at the end of June. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with the incredible group of intelligent and dedicated people here at the AHL. Surviving the COVID years will probably be my most memorable recollection as I look back over my tenure. But we made it through that challenge, and I am confident that the new AHL Director will guide our laboratory successfully as it continues to provide valuable services to the animal health community in Ontario and across Canada.

Thank you for your support of the AHL. Best wishes for an enjoyable summer.

Maria Spinato, Director

Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.