The CSU VDL plays a major role in a statewide, national and global animal and zoonotic disease surveillance system that seeks to protect the health of livestock, companion animals, and the general public.

As part of state and federal surveillance programs, the CSU VDL is a member of the Laboratory Response Network, and works in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control.

The laboratory assists the USDA, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture with surveillance for a number of agents, including:

• Avian influenza virus

• Chronic wasting disease

We are one of only seven laboratories in the nation approved by the USDA to test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).