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  • Tetracore and VMRD Announce Transition of Animal Health Products to VMRD

    Tetracore, Inc., and VMRD, Inc., announced today that Tetracore's animal health products have been purchased by VMRD. A complete list of products is available below. Both organizations are working closely to ensure this transition is smooth and supported for customers. Product descriptions, catalog numbers, and performance characteristics will remain the same. “Our shared priority is the customer experience,” said JJ McCallie, Vice President of Products. “We are committed to delivering the products our customers rely on with the same high-quality they've come to expect.” During the transition period, orders placed through VMRD will continue to ship from Tetracore’s facility. This partnership approach ensures uninterrupted supply while VMRD prepares inventory and production within its Pullman, Washington operations. “Tetracore has always valued the trust our customers place in these products,” said Dr. Nelson, President & CEO. “Working directly with VMRD allows us to make this transition easy and predictable for everyone.” Customer service and technical support will be handled by VMRD, with Tetracore assisting behind the scenes. About VMRD VMRD has supported veterinarians, laboratories, and animal‑health professionals for 45 years with reliable diagnostic tools and responsive customer service. About Tetracore Tetracore develops and supplies high‑quality diagnostic reagents and assays for animal health and biodefense applications. Media Contacts: JJ McCallie, Vice President of Products james.mccallie@vmrd.com (509) 610-7520 Dr. Bill Nelson (240) 268-5400

  • VMRD Insulin Validation Report

    Summary The VMRD Insulin test is a lateral flow assay that offers objective quantitation of equine insulin values in whole blood using the VMRD Reader, also used for VMRD SAA and Foal IgG. As with other VMRD patient-side tests, this assay is calibrated against an accepted reference test, which in this case is the radioimmunoassay (RIA) offered by the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC). Every test lot is individually calibrated for maximum quality control to ensure consistency and accuracy of results over time and between lots. The calibration system keeps results consistent over time using RFID cards that are programmed with specific details for each lot and attached to the side of the reader when running the test. Tests must be stored refrigerated (2-8°C) and then warmed to room temperature before use. For accurate results they must be run at a temperature between 60-85°F (15-30°C), otherwise results may be higher (high temperatures) or lower (low temperatures) than expected. Although temperatures outside that range are often encountered in the field, results will be most reliable if these guidelines can be followed, particularly when tracking values for an individual over time. Each test comes with all components to run the test. The specific volume of blood sample needed is collected using a sampling pipette and then diluted in buffer. Five drops of diluted sample are applied to the test cartridge, and the test is run for 15 minutes either using the self-time function on the reader or timed by the user. Results are then interpreted and displayed by the reader, with numerical values reported between 20-200 μIU/mL. The VMRD Insulin test gives veterinarians the right information to provide immediate results and recommendations to owners for effective care and management of horses with insulin dysregulation (ID), allowing them to tailor management strategies to the needs of the individual horse. Comparison to RIA reference standard Excellent correlation was observed between the VMRD Insulin test and the reference test for general field samples and samples taken during oral sugar tests for horses with ID. Field samples The insulin concentrations of 58 field samples from 27 equids (24 horses and 3 mules) were determined with reference testing at the Cornell AHDC, then compared with the results from the VMRD Insulin lateral flow test. This sample set included seven individuals with diagnosed ID, each with multiple oral sugar test timepoints. Three to five test replicates were performed for each sample. Correlation of lateral flow with RIA for these samples was excellent with an R² value of 0.966. (Figure 1) Figure 1 Oral sugar tests Low-dose oral sugar tests were performed on seven horses suspected of having ID but whose baseline insulin concentrations were below the clinical cutoff of 45 μIU/mL (1). (Figure 2) All seven horses were diagnosed with ID and subsequently considered at high risk of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis according to the Equine Endocrinology EMS Guidelines (1). Figure 2 Dilution curve Using samples collected during the course of an oral sugar test, equine blood with a moderately high insulin concentration (45 min sample) was diluted at various ratios with blood containing a low concentration of insulin (”Pre” sample) from the same horse. Each dilution was tested in triplicate by the same user, and plasma was harvested and sent to the Cornell ADHC to characterize the exact insulin concentrations. Across the tested range of 34 to 150 μIU/mL, the VMRD Insulin test had excellent correlation with the reference test, with an R² value of 0.995. (Figure 3) Figure 3 Test variability Intra- and inter-assay variation Two lots of tests were compared with one technician running 10 replicates from each lot on six samples ranging in concentration from 14 to 116 uIU/mL. For intra-assay variation, CVs ranged from 6 to 14% for Lot A (average 10%) and from 8 to 13% for Lot B (average 11%). Inter-assay variation showed CVs ranging between 9 and 16% across all samples when encompassing data from both lots, with an average CV of 13%. (Table 1) This demonstrates good consistency between lots, with variation comparable to that observed in results obtained through submission to the reference lab (see below). Table 1 Inter-runner variability Variation was further evaluated by two technicians using three blood samples of various concentrations (14, 38, and 78 μIU/mL) as determined by Cornell. Each technician ran five replicates, for a total of 10 replicates of each sample. Variation ranged from 7-11% with an average variation of 9.3%. Reference RIA test variation To evaluate the inherent variability of the reference test used for calibration and validation of the VMRD Insulin test, 15 plasma samples (8 individual and 7 pooled) of varying concentrations were submitted to the Cornell ADHC for testing by RIA. Samples were tested in three separate runs on different days, and %CV ranged from 5-21%. (Table 2) This demonstrates that the level of variability observed with the VMRD Insulin test is also consistent with what can be expected from submission of samples for laboratory testing. Since the insulin values of each sample were defined by this reference test, no further assessment could be made regarding the accuracy of each value. Table 2 Conclusion The VMRD Insulin test correlates very well with the gold standard RIA test run by the Cornell ADHC, providing accurate, quantitative results using the VMRD Reader. Results for both normal and ID horses were clinically accurate across a broad range of insulin concentrations and supported rapid diagnosis of ID in multiple horses used for this study. Assessment of test variability demonstrated consistent results between runners and between lots, comparing favorably to the RIA reference test. The VMRD Insulin test offers a new, high-quality option for horse-side measurement of equine insulin in whole blood, without the delay and hassle of sending out samples or having to spin down samples and run them in a lab space. Testing horse-side enables dynamic assessment of insulin values to immediately evaluate the effect of current feeding and management strategies and offer timely recommendations for the prevention of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. References Equine Endocrinology Group. (2024). Recommendations of diagnosis and management of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), including assessment of insulin status. https://equineendocrinologygroup.org/ Learn more about VMRD Insulin

  • Behind the Scenes at Oscar’s Place: A Deep Dive into Donkey Rescue and Care

    Donkey rescue operations face unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and tools. At Oscar’s Place, a sanctuary caring for around 250 donkeys across two locations in California, the daily work involves more than just sheltering these animals. It includes managing herd health, preventing disease outbreaks, and providing urgent care when needed. We recently had the chance to speak with the supervising veterinarian at Oscar’s Place about how they approach donkey care, especially their use of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) testing to detect illness early in a population known for hiding symptoms. Can you tell us a bit about Oscar’s Place and the scope of donkey care you manage day to day? Oscar’s Place is a donkey rescue that houses ≈250 donkeys currently between our two locations in Hopland and Potter Valley, California. Our donkeys come to us via two different routes—rescued from slaughter via the auction pipeline and also from loving families who are no longer able to care for them. Once in our care, we address any health issues they have and then work to rehabilitate them either into our general population to live out their lives in our pastures or adopt them out to new families seeking donkey companions. My work as the supervising veterinarian involves a mix of population medicine—herd health, preventive care, and disease mitigation—as well as urgent/emergent care for illness and injury that arise. With cases coming from auctions and other communal housing environments, this involves a lot of infectious disease surveillance and biosecurity practices in addition to treatment of sick donkeys in order to protect the existing herd. What initially drew you to using SAA testing, particularly for a large and diverse donkey population? I leaned heavily on SAA in my previous jobs—both in private practice and as the equine ambulatory clinician at Oregon State. When you are out in the field and need to triage/make decisions on the farm, having the insight of SAA in conjunction with my physical exam and imaging diagnostics is hugely helpful. Similarly here in Hopland, we want prompt answers to diagnostic questions so that we can initiate prompt care. Donkeys are amazingly stoic and often do not reveal their illness until they are very sick—anything that can help us detect disease sooner rather than later is tantamount to maintaining a healthy herd. Were there any early questions or hesitations about using SAA in donkeys versus horses? Yes! I have struggled to find literature that reassures me values can be trusted and interpreted in donkeys comparably to horses. Not all equids are equal. Donkeys have different reference intervals and physiological responses to disease that can be different than horses. It still involves a little bit of a leap of faith to “rely” on SAA readings, but as always, we use it as a part of clinical assessment and hope that the data we are collecting over time can provide more certainty in the values as we go along. How are you currently using SAA testing for screening and monitoring across your donkey population? When donkeys arrive from long distances, we perform SAA testing (among other things) on them at intake as well as at scheduled intervals over time until they recover. This is part of how we are building a better understanding of SAA response in donkeys but also trying to detect disease when clinical signs aren’t manifesting outwardly (as donkeys “hide their feelings” well). Additionally, we run SAA as part of our minimum database collection on any donkey that presents with respiratory symptoms, fever, diarrhea, and/or the “ADR” condition. Frequently, we use the SAA to track response to treatment thereafter as well. How has SAA testing helped with intake, quarantine, or managing new groups of donkeys coming into the herd? With rescues, we track the SAA at regular intervals on the whole rescued herd (sometimes 10 - 45 donkeys). We collect this information in conjunction with vital signs and thoracic ultrasound imaging. It helps direct treatment decisions as well as flags donkeys who may need additional diagnostics/closer monitoring. Recently we were also able to track viral loads of common respiratory pathogens in donkeys in both nasal swabs and whole blood at the same time points as our SAA readings. I am hopeful this data can help reveal a better understanding of the diseases as well as the donkey’s inflammatory response. Have you noticed any patterns in how SAA behaves in donkeys during treatment and recovery? Overall, my impression is that SAA trends are comparable in donkeys to the horses of my past experience. This is very anecdotal, but SAA does seem a little slower to rise as high and decrease than it did in horses, but perhaps that is just the nature of the diseases we are seeing here versus in horses (largely pneumonia—both viral and bacterial). I can say that with viral pneumonias, the SAAs have been minimally elevated, and in the later phases of bacterial pneumonia (or even before they recover), SAA values have been <20. Generally, when the fevers are still lingering, the SAAs are still high. Can you share an example of how a normal or low SAA result has been helpful? A normal or low SAA after an upward trend is very reassuring in the course of antibiotic therapy. It is also reassuring when you anticipate the disease is viral rather than bacterial and it seems to peak and drop faster (in my experience) with viral vs. continuing to rise with bacterial. Because we have had some unfortunate experiences with circulating herpesviruses here, those trends are very helpful, as we can’t always have PCR testing confirmed as quickly as we’d like (especially on a weekend or holiday!). What would you say to other donkey rescues or veterinarians who are considering SAA testing but aren’t sure yet? As with any diagnostic, it must be taken into account with the whole clinical picture, but for a species that likes to fog that clinical picture with the utmost stoicism and masking of disease, SAA can be your best detective friend. Is there anything else you’d like to share about how diagnostics like SAA support better welfare outcomes for donkeys? The more we utilize it and other diagnostics to establish norms and reference parameters, the better we will understand donkeys! Donkeys deserve to be better understood. Want to connect with the team at Oscar's Place? You can find them at: Oscar's Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary 4425 Hwy 175 Hopland, CA 95449 Phone: 707-530-6711 Website: oscarsplace.org

  • VMRD Begins Manufacturing Key Reagent for Detection of CWD by RT-QuIC

    PULLMAN, WA, AUGUST 1, 2022 —Veterinary Medical Research & Development (VMRD), Pullman, WA, has partnered with CWD Evolution, Fort Collins, CO, to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic reagents for detection of the abnormal prion associated with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The control of CWD requires identification of infected animals. The diagnosis of chronic wasting disease depends on detecting the highly variable amounts of abnormal prion. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays have greatly enhanced sensitivity for small amounts of abnormal prion. This technique exploits the ability of the misfolded pathological form of prion protein found in various tissues to induce conversion of normal prion to the misfolded form, which subsequently aggregates and is logarithmically amplified to dramatically increase sensitivity. Chronic wasting disease is of great concern for sustainability of wildlife. It has been detected in at least 28 states, two Canadian provinces, Finland, Sweden, Norway and South Korea. CWD is transmitted directly through animal-to-animal contact, and indirectly through contact with objects or environment contaminated with infectious material (including saliva, urine, feces, and carcasses of CWD-infected animals). The key component (reagent) in the RT-QuIC process is the “seed” protein or amplifying reagent. Providing quality- controlled amplifying reagent to the research community is a critical first step in assisting in CWD control. For additional product information please visit our website at www.vmrd.com/cwd-rt-quic-reagents or contact us at order@vmrd.com . ABOUT CWD EVOLUTION – CWD Evolution offers the first commercial RT-QuIC test and has been a leader in advancing RT-QuIC testing in the diagnostic world. MEDIA CONTACTS Davin Henderson Ph.D. CWD Evolution LLC (760) 317-7301 info@cwdevolution.com testcwd.com ABOUT VMRD, INC. - VMRD was founded in 1981 by D. Scott Adams, DVM, Ph.D., and currently employs over 50 researchers, lab technicians and support personnel. From its site in Pullman, Washington VMRD develops and manufactures veterinary diagnostic test kits and related reagents for distribution in more than 77 countries. As a rapidly growing company, VMRD strives to preserve its family-focused culture and core values of integrity and quality. MEDIA CONTACTS: Donald P. Knowles DVM, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer (509) 336-4460 vmrd@vmrd.com vmrd.com

  • Expanding Options in Veterinary Research & Diagnostics: VMRD Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits Available March 1st.

    Pullman, WA, February 22, 2022 – VMRD is proud to announce the addition of Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits to its Molecular Product Line this Spring. DNA/RNA Extraction Kits are a necessary tool for labs performing PCR, genomic sequencing, or gene cloning and expression studies. “After partnering with Longhorn Vaccines in 2020 to exclusively distribute PrimeStore® MTM to the veterinary market, it was a natural decision for us to expand our molecular biology product options”, said Sandy Clark, Molecular Product Manager for VMRD. “We have chosen the most commonly used kit formats in today’s fast-paced environments, with repeatability and excellent quality of DNA/RNA recovery being our top performance factors.” The Spin Column Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit allows for rapid preparation of highly pure viral nucleic acids from swabs, tissue homogenates, and low-cell biological fluid such as plasma and serum. Simple purification steps are performed by centrifugation and the final elution in a low 30 μL volume offers concentrated template for downstream applications. The Magnetic Bead Nucleic Extraction Kit is designed for either manual or automated extraction of nucleic acids from a wide range of veterinary sample types. Flexibility in starting materials and utility in high-throughput scenarios (with the aid of liquid-handling or magnetic rod robots) makes magnetic extraction a time and cost-saving option. Providing reliable and easy-to-use kits has been a top priority for VMRD over the years, exemplified in its serology-related ELISA reagents and kits for veterinary diagnostics. These new molecular themed extraction kits are no exception. Paired with MTM at sample collection or as pre-treatment, VMRD now has an exceptional workflow for optimal recovery and detection of animal health molecular targets in both diagnostic and research use. For more information on availability and to order, please contact Sandra Clark (Molecular Product Manager) at 515-491-6437, or by e-mail at sandra.clark@vmrd.com To see all available VMRD Molecular Products at https://vmrd.com/molecular For more information on VMRD's Nucleic Acid Extraction kits, please visit  https://vmrd.com/nucleic-acid-extraction For more information on PrimeStore® MTM, please visit https://vmrd.com/primestore-mtm

  • What is RT-QuIC? — INFOGRAPHIC

    What is RT-QuIC Infographic

  • VMRD Offers Novel Non-infectious Positive Control for RT-QuIC Testing

    PULLMAN, WA, NOVEMBER 8th, 2024 — Diagnostics manufacturer Veterinary Medical Research & Development (VMRD) in Pullman, WA, provides state-of-the-art test reagents for detection of abnormal prions associated with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in cervids. This technology, known as RT-QuIC (or real-time quaking induced conversion), is a novel and highly sensitive method that can detect these prions even at very low levels in a variety of tissues. To enhance this testing, VMRD is now offering a new, first-of-its-kind synthetic positive control that mimics RT-QuIC results from a positive retropharyngeal lymph node sample but is composed entirely of non-infectious material. CWD is of great concern for wildlife sustainability, and has been detected in at least 35 states, five Canadian provinces, Finland, Sweden, Norway and South Korea. It is transmitted directly through animal-to-animal contact, and indirectly by contact with objects or environment contaminated with infectious material (including saliva, urine, feces, and carcasses of CWD-infected animals). “CWD is a significant and expanding problem in the US, and we need new tools to support control efforts,” says VMRD staff veterinarian Dr. Siddra Hines, “Successful control of CWD will be largely dependent on availability of sensitive and accurate testing methods.” RT-QuIC exploits the ability of misfolded pathological prions to induce conversion of normal prion protein to the misfolded form. As the RT-QuIC reaction progresses, misfolded prions are logarithmically amplified into a non-infectious product, dramatically increasing the sensitivity of detection. Providing commercialized reagents with stringent quality control standards is critical to ensure consistent performance and minimize variability between labs. “Having a predictable and ready-to-use positive control for RT-QuIC is another huge step towards moving RT-QuIC testing towards USDA approval,” states Dr. Davin Henderson, founder of CWD Evolution. For additional product information please visit our website here or contact us at order@vmrd.com . ABOUT CWD EVOLUTION – CWD Evolution offers the first commercial RT-QuIC test and has been a leader in advancing RT-QuIC testing in the diagnostic world. MEDIA CONTACTS: Davin Henderson PhD, CWD Evolution LLC (760)317-7301 info@cwdevolution.com testcwd.com ABOUT VMRD, INC. – VMRD was founded in 1981 by D. Scott Adams, DVM, Ph.D., and currently employs over 50 researchers, lab technicians and support personnel. From its site in Pullman, Washington VMRD develops and manufactures veterinary diagnostic test kits and related reagents for distribution in more than 77 countries. As a rapidly growing company, VMRD strives to preserve its family-focused culture and core values of integrity and quality. MEDIA CONTACTS: Siddra Hines, DVM, Ph.D, DACVIM 509-334-5815 siddrah@vmrd.com vmrd.com

  • ISWAVLD 2025

    We're looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces. Come by booth 402 to learn about everything we have to offer your laboratory team, with dairy diagnostics, automation solutions, and more! We are also very exciting to tell you about some of our NEW OFFERINGS!

  • Upgrade Your Lab with RT-QuIC: A Game-Changer for Prion Detection

    ICYMI: Have you been considering RT-QuIC to upgrade and streamline prion detection in your lab? Are you curious about this trailblazing technology? Join us for From Sample to Signal: Unlocking Ultra-Sensitive Detection of CWD and Other Prions with RT-QuIC . This 60-minute practical overview will feature discussions with experts in real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). What You Will Learn In this session, you’ll learn: The scientific principles behind RT-QuIC and why it’s a game-changer for early prion detection. A step-by-step walkthrough of the RT-QuIC workflow, from sample collection through data interpretation. How your lab can easily onboard RT-QuIC with just a few equipment and training updates. Real-world insights from Dr. Michelle Gibison on integrating RT-QuIC into routine CWD testing programs. Live Q&A with our experts, Dr. Davin Henderson and Dr. Michelle Gibison. Whether you’re exploring prion detection or ready to modernize your lab’s capabilities, this webinar will equip you with the practical know-how to get started. Why RT-QuIC is Important RT-QuIC is revolutionizing the field of prion detection. This method offers ultra-sensitive detection capabilities, allowing labs to identify prions at earlier stages than ever before. Early detection is crucial for managing diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) effectively. How RT-QuIC Works The RT-QuIC process begins with sample collection. Samples are then subjected to a series of controlled conditions that promote the conversion of normal proteins into misfolded prions. This conversion is monitored in real-time, providing immediate feedback on the presence of prions. Equipment and Training Onboarding RT-QuIC in your lab may seem daunting, but it requires only a few updates. You will need specific equipment and some training for your staff. The transition can be smooth and efficient, ensuring minimal disruption to your current operations. Real-World Applications Dr. Michelle Gibison will share her experiences integrating RT-QuIC into routine CWD testing programs. Her insights will help you understand the practical applications of this technology in real-world scenarios. Access the Recorded Webinar Did you miss the broadcast? No worries! You can still access the recorded webinar here . This session is a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in enhancing their lab's capabilities. Don't miss out on the chance to learn about this innovative technology and how it can benefit your work.

  • ACVIM FORUM 2025

    ACVIM is coming up! Catch us in Louisville at booth 537 to talk to us about how VMRD can help you elevate your patient care. We are excited to see you there.

  • VMX 2022 - Veterinary Meeting & Expo | January 15-19, 2022 | Orlando, Florida

    For the first time ever VMRD will be exhibiting at VMX in Orlando, Florida! We are excited for this new opportunity and hope to see you there! Come meet us at booth # 3503 and learn about our New and Upcoming products for the cats and horses ! Also, you could win some AirPods! Watch our Instagram to find out how you can win!

  • AAEP 67th Annual Convention & Trade Show | Dec. 4-8, 2021 | Nashville, TN

    We will be exhibiting at AAEP in Nashville! We are excited to be back in person and we hope to see you there! Come visit us at booth # 405 to meet some new faces and learn about our BRAND NEW Foal IgG test, which works on the same lateral flow platform as our SAA test! Take advantage of our AAEP Combo Promo! Learn More

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