Veterinary Diagnostic Services and Research Support
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), located in Orono, provides comprehensive diagnostic services to veterinarians, livestock producers, animal owners, and state agencies across Maine and New England. We offer microbiology, virology, parasitology, and pathology diagnostic testing—as well as research support—to help agricultural and aquacultural producers identify solutions to animal health-related problems.
Our team actively engages in public outreach, teaching, and mentorship, frequently integrating undergraduate, graduate, and professional students into lab rotations to strengthen preparedness for veterinary and research careers. By fostering collaborations within the University of Maine System and beyond, we work daily to improve both animal and human health.
Important Note: If you are currently experiencing an animal health emergency, please contact your veterinarian directly. The VDL is a diagnostic facility and is not equipped to see or treat animals in need of immediate medical care.
To find practicing large animal veterinarians in Maine, you can visit the Extension’s Maine New Farmers Project Veterinarians Who Treat Large Animals page. Alternatively, you can access the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) “Large Animal Veterinarians (XLS)” spreadsheet available on their Resources by Species page.
Our Diagnostic Services
We accept testing submissions based on the following criteria:
- Direct to Veterinarians and Producers: Mastitis testing, parasitology, and Salmonella environmental testing (FDA-compliant SE testing).
- Veterinarian Submission Only: All other samples submitted for testing. (Note: Domestic backyard poultry and waterfowl are accepted directly for necropsy. Please visit Our Policies page for more information.)
Digital Submission Forms for General Use, Mastitis and Salmonella
Diagnostic Services and Fees
What Type of Animal Do You Have?
Is Your Question About an Animal Not Listed Here?
HPAI Notice
The Maine state veterinarian has asked that UMaine Extension encourage any bird owner with possible avian flu (HPAI) cases (sudden deaths, unexplained severely ill birds) to call this hotline number: 866.536.7593. If poultry are ill or have died, but the onset of symptoms was slower, or the owner suspects Marek’s disease or other non-HPAI cause of loss, then they are encouraged to contact our Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at 207.581.3874.
VDL Hours of Operation:
Please plan your submissions according to our standard operating schedule:
- Lab Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday Submission Deadlines: No samples are accepted after 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Additionally, any necropsies submitted after 3:30 p.m. will be performed the next business day.
- Holiday Closures: Closed all University Holidays. Please visit the University of Maine Holiday Schedule to verify closures.