Animal Heath Lab virology technicians working on samples in a biosafety cabinet.
By Alicia Bowland and Caitlin Ford
The University of Guelph’s Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is Ontario’s foremost source of animal disease trend information – and that stock of information is growing steadily.
The AHL, a Laboratory Services unit at the University, serves as the provincial animal disease diagnostic lab. It is the laboratory partner of choice for governments and universities in Canada for agriculture, food safety and animal health testing.
The AHL also serves veterinary practitioners with laboratory tests in such areas as anatomic and clinical pathology, bacteriology, immunology, parasitology, virology and toxicology.
Using samples and specimens from the Ontario Veterinary College and external veterinary clinics, the AHL is developing specialized expertise in genomic sequencing of veterinary pathogens.
Comparing the genetic sequence of pathogenic organisms with the lab’s DNA database allows diagnosticians to monitor the spread and mutation of pathogens and suggest best practices to stop their spread.
Whole genome sequencing is also being used to detect genes that code for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance. Improved pathogen management means healthier food animals, less use of antimicrobial drugs, more profitability for producers and greater consumer confidence in animal food products.
In a typical year, the AHL can conduct about one million tests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AHL saw a temporary drop in submissions, but this number rebounded to normal by June 2020. Since the AHL laboratory was deemed an essential service, technicians were able to continue operations -- tracking new and existing diseases and helping to ensure healthy animals and safe food in Ontario.
The AHL receives funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.