University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, located in Orono, provides 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 engages in public outreach, teaching/mentorship, and fostering collaborations within the University of Maine System and beyond to improve animal and human health. We frequently integrate undergraduate, graduate, and professional students into lab rotations to strengthen preparedness for veterinary and research careers.
2023 VDL Updates!
- Exciting changes are underway at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory! We are happy to now offer on-site histopathology interpretation for necropsy and biopsy submissions! Please see “Tests and Pricing” or contact us for more information.
- We’re currently working hard to enhance your experience. Please bear with us as we incorporate new features that will simplify sample submission and reporting. Thank you for your patience!
NOTE: If you are currently experiencing an animal health emergency, please contact your veterinarian directly.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is not equipped to see or treat animals in need of immediate medical care.
For a list of large animal and poultry veterinarians in Maine, visit the Maine New Farmers Project website’s What Veterinarians Treat Large Animals? page.
What We Do:
- 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.
* Domestic backyard poultry/waterfowl are accepted for necropsy. Visit Our Policies page for more information.
VDL Hours of Operation:
- Lab Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- No samples are accepted after 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Any necropsies submitted after 3:30 p.m. will be performed the next business day.
- Closed all University Holidays: Visit the University of Maine Holiday Schedule
VDL News
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From Fox23: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile Virus detected in emus, horses in multiple Maine counties
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Draft Guidance on Defining Durations of Use for Certain Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs for Food Animals
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From the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR) – why it needs to be established in person
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From CBS News: Dozens of deer found dead in northern Pennsylvania after hemorrhagic disease outbreak
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From News Center Maine: Eastern equine encephalitis detected in non-commercial farm animal in Piscataquis County
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Food Safety News Report: New York raw milk tests positive for campylobacter; public warning issued
What Type of Animal Do You Have?
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.
Would you like to hear about livestock or gardening news, upcoming Extension events, and more?
Subscribe to UMaine Extension lists on Piscataquis County’s E-Mail Newsletter Sign-up page.