NVSL Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory (DVL) performs diagnostic testing for numerous domestic and foreign animal viral diseases, such as vesicular stomatitis (VS), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), virulent Newcastle disease, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), Western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE), equine infectious anemia (EIA), bluetongue (BT), swine influenza, pseudorabies (PR), and West Nile encephalitis. Providing diagnostic testing for these diseases and other viral agents is part of DVL's role in protecting the American livestock industry.

The DVL is a Reference Laboratory for the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and a Reference Centre for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO). Click here for more details. The DVL also performs import/export testing, produces reagents/references, and administers proficiency testing and laboratory approvals for selected viral tests (including avian influenza and Newcastle real-time reverse transcriptase (rrt) PCR) in laboratories belonging to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

DVL contact information:
Director: Dr. Sabrina Swenson
Phone: (515) 337-7551
Fax: (515) 337-7348
E-mail:  sabrina.l.swenson@aphis.usda.gov

Avian Viruses Section
Head:  Dr. Mia Kim Torchetti
Phone:  (515) 337-7551
E-mail: mia.kim.torchetti@aphis.usda.gov

Bovine, Porcine, and Aquaculture Viruses Section
Head:  Dr. John Schiltz
Phone:  (515) 337-7551
E-mail: john.j.schiltz@aphis.usda.gov

Equine and Ovine Viruses Section 
Head:  vacant
Phone:  (515) 337-7551
E-mail:

Additional Information