Center for Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics- Coming Soon
The field of molecular diagnostics is rapidly evolving in veterinary practice and public health. Using molecular diagnosis to diagnose or discover new diseases can help identify biological threats to the nation’s animal population, thereby protecting both animals and public health. Quick detection of host and environmental pathogens and their characteristics can lead to prompt decision-making and precise measures such as prophylaxis, appropriate therapy, and biosafety plans to prevent and control disease outbreaks. To better serve our community, we propose to establish the Center for Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics (CVMD). This center will focus on disease surveillance and pathogen identification, serving both animal and public health needs.
This facility for molecular diagnostics will be equipped with state-of-the-art machines, including high-throughput automated extraction, liquid handling systems, and multiple platforms. The CVMD will provide molecular diagnostic services in virology, bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, bioinformatics, and toxicology. Our faculty's expertise will be complemented by cutting-edge equipment, such as a flow cytometer, confocal microscope, scanning or transmission electron microscope, next-generation sequencer, and quantitative PCR. Our established core facility and access to the animal biosafety level-3 (ABSL-3) facility will make this initiative possible. The mission of the CVMD is to promote Maryland's animal agriculture economy and safeguard animal, human, and public health.
