The following assays in our Toxicology laboratory are back online following a brief discontinuation.

- Convulsants (70021 - Penitrem A and Roquefortin ONLY)
- Mycotoxins (70037 & 70036 - Quantification)
- Ionophores (70032 - Qualitative)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra) and Zonisamide serum quantitation

Effective July 1, 2015 DCPAH will be changing the options and pricing for margin studies of large tissues by expanding beyond the current maximum of "greater than 8 cm." The new tier will have separate prices for 8 to <10 cm, 10 to <12 cm, 12 to <14 cm, and >14 cm. Because of the low number of tissues larger than 8 cm submitted for margin studies, this will impact a relatively small number of cases. However, we are making this change to more accurately reflect the material and labor costs associated with these cases. Large tissues can require more than 150 slides.

As a reminder, DCPAH's Surgical Pathology service digitally photographs all tissues submitted for full margin evaluation before trimming. The histology technician then "draws" on the photos to indicate where each section of tissue is located. Knowing how the tissues are sectioned helps the pathologist assess the true surgical margins. In order to assist the submitting veterinarian in interpreting the results of margin evaluation, the photographs are attached to the case online with links available in WebView.

The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has now affected more than 46 million domestic birds in 15 states as well as Ontario, Canada. Avian influenza viruses are classified into low and high pathogenicity forms based on the severity of illness they cause in poultry. Low pathogenicity (LPAI) causes sub-clinical disease, or at most mild clinical signs, while HPAI causes severe clinical signs and results in higher mortality rates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to people from these HPAI infections to be low. No human cases of these viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada, or internationally.

In response to the outbreak, many states have stopped bird movement. Michigan's state veterinarian announced on Monday, June 1 that 2015 poultry exhibitions are canceled throughout the state.

In addition to performing HPAI surveillance testing, MSU DCPAH has been working closely with state and national partners to ensure laboratory preparedness in the event of an outbreak in Michigan.

For more information on HPAI, resources are listed below:

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) - Avian Diseases

MDARD - Status of Avian Influenza in Michigan

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Avian Influenza

USDA - Update on Avian Influenza Findings