University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE: The U.S Department of Health and Human Services confirmed to Scripps News that it is responding to the New World Screwworm outbreak by activating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emergency response at “level 3,” which is the agency’s “lowest” level. Details below.

Dear UKVDL clients,

In observance of Juneteenth, the lab will be open 9-noon on Friday June 19 for necropsies and to receive specimens.
No tests will be setup or resulted.

Adult New World Screwworm identification guide and commonly misidentified species:

Adult New World Screwworm Identification and Commonly Confused Species | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the Future. New World Screwworm can sometimes be confused with other blow fly species. Learn how to identify adult Cochliomyia hominivorax and how to report and distinguish it from similar blow flies, with reporting contacts.

Updated Rabies Dashboard:

Kentucky Rabies Surveillance Dashboard | 1989–2026 Data Explore Kentucky's rabies testing data across 120 counties from 1989–2026. Interactive maps, trends, and seasonal patterns from 40,079 specimens.

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New World Screwworm-related Import Requirements 6.11.26 Effective immediately and through Aug. 01, 2026: • Any animal demonstrating clinical signs of NWS infestation are prohibited from entry into Kentucky • Movement requirements for large animals originating from infested states are required to have: o Kentucky permit number obtained from the Kentuc...

Rabies Surveillance update:

Kentucky Rabies Surveillance Dashboard | 1989–2026 Data Explore 37 years of Kentucky rabies testing data across 120 counties. Interactive dashboard with trends, geographic distribution, seasonal patterns, and county-level analysis of 39,967 specimens.

UKVDL will be Open 9am - noon Monday May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day to receive animals for necropsy only. No testing available.

Dear UKVDL Clients,

We are pleased to inform you that water service to the laboratory has been restored. As a result, we will resume our normal operations and regular schedule tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Becky Wilkes

Dear UKVDL Clients,
We want to inform you that we are experiencing an unexpected water outage that requires us to temporarily shut down operations effective immediately.
Due to this issue, we are unable to safely continue normal services at this time. We are unsure when the water will be back on, but we expect to resume normal services tomorrow morning. We will update you when we know more.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Thank you,
Becky Wilkes


Rebecca Wilkes, DVM, PhD, DACVM (virology and bacteriology/mycology)
Director and Associate Professor
University of Kentucky
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
PO Box 14125 (mailing)
1490 Bull Lea Road (shipping)
Lexington, KY 40512-4125
859-257-3373

Dear UKVDL Clients,
We wanted to inform you that we are unable to run EIA testing this afternoon due to an unexpected staff illness.
All other laboratory services will continue as normal, and EIA testing will resume tomorrow.
If you have time‑sensitive samples, please feel free to contact the lab to make arrangements- 859-257-8283.
Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.