Diagnostic lab is often first line of defense in animal, human disease threats

As a diagnostic testing service provider located directly on the campus of LSU Vet Med, the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has played a crucial role in protecting Louisiana from animal and human disease outbreak. The acceleration of deadly pathogens such as COVID-19, unexpected outbreaks of animal disease effecting Louisiana wildlife, and the need for expanded services such as forensic pathology have broadened LADDL’s portfolio of protection.

In animal health, detecting outbreaks of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in statewide deer populations has protected the safety of hunters in Louisiana. LADDL collaborates with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to identify possible cases of CWD. The first confirmed case of CWD in Louisiana for the 2022-23 hunting season was detected by LADDL in January.

When COVID-19 outbreaks applied pressure upon state health organizations to provide quick and accurate testing to identify and control the spread of the virus, LADDL initiated a surveillance program to test LSU students, staff, and faculty suspected of being positive for the disease. More recently, the team of scientists at LADDL developed reliable testing for the Monkeypox virus as infections began to rise across the country.

Dr. Udeni Balasuriya, Director of LADDL since 2018, has overseen the evolution of the laboratory as a service provider that reacts swiftly to the changing needs of animal and human healthcare.

"LADDL has always partnered with veterinarians and health organizations in Louisiana and across the country to test for animal disease outbreaks, but the aggressive spread of pathogens such as COVID-19 and Monkeypox in human populations has required us to think innovatively and react quickly,” said Dr. Balasuriya. “We have so much experience with these diseases in animal health. It was natural for us to apply that expertise to solve human health issues.”