The CAHFS Virology service provides virus isolation for identification of new and emerging viruses. Virus isolation is available to determine presence of live infectious agents, monitor viruses for genetic changes, and meet testing requirements for animals being exported to other countries.

CAHFS offers:

CAHFS Aquaculture service, located at our San Bernardino laboratory, provides comprehensive necropsy, histopathology and selected ancillary testing on commercial, small pond, aquarium and ornamental fish.

CAHFS offers:

The San Bernardino laboratory provides surveillance and diagnostic testing on milk and dairy products submitted by the Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Dairy food pathogen testing is a critical element to ensure particular bacteria that can cause serious illness in people, such as Salmonella, E. coli O157, Listeria, Campylobacter or Brucella, are not present in dairy foods for human consumption.

• Direct negative stain evaluation of feces and tissues for viral identification and confirmation
• Transmission electron microscopy of thin-sectioned tissues
• Collaboration with researchers on creative scientific investigations
• On-site instruction and training

Visit the Lab Tests & Fees page to search for specific tests.

In cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CAHFS provides specialized dairy product quality testing in our Milk & Dairy Chemistry and Milk & Dairy Microbiology laboratories located at our San Bernardino laboratory.

CAHFS operates as the State of California's central reference laboratory for measuring dairy products for their wholesomeness and nutrient makeup. This quality assurance program ensures dairy products are compliant with regulations, protecting both the consumer and the producer.

CAHFS is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standard of quality in all aspects of our work.

Our quality system, along with our accreditation and certification to various standards, ensures that we are meeting or exceeding client and government agency expectations by:

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Board was created to jointly advise the University of California and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on all aspects of CAHFS operations. Members include representatives from California's livestock and poultry industries and practicing veterinarians. CAHFS, CDFA, and USDA representatives serve as ex-officio members.

Jack Hanson

Chair

Chuck Ahlem

CAHFS is composed of three livestock and poultry laboratories in Davis, Tulare, and San Bernardino and a poultry laboratory in Turlock. With its strategically located laboratories, CAHFS is uniquely positioned to serve California's animal industries.

CAHFS operating hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm except holidays. After-hours and weekend submissions are accepted at the discretion of the on-call diagnostician; extra fees will apply. Contact your laboratory for instructions.