LSU Diagnostics

08/12/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Fabio Del Piero on being named an ACVP Distinguished Member by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, honoring those whose careers reflect exceptional contributions to the profession through service and leadership. Congratulations, Dr. Del Piero!

07/22/2026

LSU Diagnostics recently performed 67 canine distemper PCR tests, with 38 positive results and 29 negative results. That's a 56.7% positivity rate among animals submitted for testing.

It's important to remember that these numbers represent animals suspected of having distemper that were submitted for diagnostic testing—not the general dog population.

Canine distemper is preventable—but it remains a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs. It is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the greatest risk, and the disease can be life-threatening.

Common signs include:
• Fever
• Coughing or nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Neurologic signs such as muscle twitching or seizures

If your dog develops signs of illness or has been exposed to an infected animal, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early diagnosis and supportive care can improve outcomes.

LSU Diagnostics is proud to support veterinarians by providing timely diagnostic testing that helps protect animal health.

07/02/2026

Happy 4th of July from all of us at LSU Diagnostics! Our office will be closed on Friday, July 3 for the Independence Day holiday. Please plan to have shipments arrive when the lab is open. Regular testing will resume when campus reopens Monday, July 6. Animals can be delivered after-hours and during the holidays to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) on Skip Bertman Drive. For assistance, call 225-578-9600. Have a happy and SAFE 4th of July!

05/29/2026

Behind Louisiana’s efforts to track and contain Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is the expertise of LSU Vet Med and LSU Diagnostics. As highlighted in this story, our pathologists and diagnostic teams help detect and monitor CWD through one of the nation’s approved testing laboratories, supporting wildlife health, hunters, agriculture, and disease surveillance across the region. Read more:

Many states, including Louisiana, have adopted policies aimed at stopping healthy deer from coming into contact with infected deer and environments. But those efforts could soon be dialed back at the will of state legislators, worrying scientists who study the disease and its expansion.

01/15/2026

LSU Diagnostics (Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory) has been reaccredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), a prestigious designation that reflects the highest standards in veterinary diagnostic testing and laboratory quality. Only a limited number of laboratories achieve and maintain AAVLD accreditation, and this recognition affirms the excellence, precision and dedication of our LSU Diagnostics team.

As part of LSU Vet Med’s We Protect mission, LSU Diagnostics plays a critical role in safeguarding animal and human health in Louisiana and beyond through timely, trusted diagnostic services that support veterinarians, producers, and public health partners.

Congratulations to our outstanding LSU Diagnostics team!

12/12/2025

Dr. Alma Roy has been named director of LSU Diagnostics (Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory), our full-service, accredited laboratory that provides critical animal disease diagnostic services for Louisiana and surrounding states.

Dr. Roy will oversee all aspects of LSU Diagnostics, including laboratory operations, customer service, and marketing, ensuring continued excellence in service and innovation for the state’s animal industries and veterinary community. Her extensive research background includes studies on West Nile virus ecology and control, avian-mosquito transmission, equine and human disease, and vaccine development. Congratulations, Dr. Roy!