The Immunodiagnostic lab performs testing for diseases of zoonotic and military significance in humans and animals; performs Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) testing for government owned animals and pets of authorized DoD beneficiaries; and the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) test for government personnel who have been vaccinated for rabies. The Molecular Diagnostic lab performs vector-borne surveillance testing on insects and arthropods. This lab also provides Chagas Disease testing on Military Working Dogs (MWDs) and working dogs from other governmental agencies.
As of 29 March 2021, the Department of Defense Food Analysis & Diagnostic Laboratory (DOD FADL) will conduct SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic testing utilizing real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on canine samples, with expansion to felids and antibody testing planned for the near future. The DOD FADL is the diagnostic testing and reference center for SARS-CoV-2 in DOD affiliated animals that have met the criteria outlined by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and DOD Veterinary Services (VS) for SARS-CoV-2 testing. This organic capability affords the DOD agility and flexibility in COVID testing for our supported canine populations, and precludes any OPSEC concerns that occur with testing of MWD samples by commercial labs. The test is available upon request by veterinarians, ONLY after approval by state animal and public health officials. Information on submission guidelines and the new Molecular Diagnostic Test Request Form (D-204) can be found in the Remote Online Veterinary Record (ROVR) and
DOD FADL Forms and Documents (DoD Diagnostic Forms).
All presumptive positive samples will require confirmatory testing by the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). Exceptions for confirmatory requesting requirements include domestic household animals from states, territories, or tribal nations that have previously had a confirmed case in that species. Please reference
USDA APHIS website
for more information on selection criteria. Based on current guidance by the CDC, USDA, and DOD Veterinary Services, routine testing of animals for SARS-CoV-2 is not recommended.
Immuno-diagnostic Points of Contact:
Primary: 210-295-4920; DSN: 421-4920
Alternate: 210-295-4713; DSN: 421-4713
Team Lead: Ed Cooper
Edwin.d.cooper2.civ@mail.mil
Molecular Diagnostic Points of Contact:
Primary: 210-221-3352; DSN: 471-3352
Alternate: 210-221-4960; DSN: 471-4960
Team Leader: Ben Delgado
Bernardo.delgado.civ@mail.mil
