Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
8 AM - 5 PM
Monday through Friday
5555 Overland Avenue, Bldg 4
San Diego, California 92124
858-694-2838
The County Veterinarian provides the only veterinary necropsy (animal autopsy) facility in the county to check domestic animals and wildlife for diseases.
The primary focus of the Animal Disease and Diagnostic laboratory is the detection of diseases infectious to animals, as well as those transmissible to humans.
Detected diseases include: rabies, plague, tuberculosis, psittacosis, heartworms, salmonella, Newcastle disease, E. coli, and other pathogens affecting animals and those transmissible to man.
The County Veterinarian acts under the direction of the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture to enforce provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code related to the health and sanitary surroundings of livestock and poultry. Programs for the control of rabies and psittacosis are mandated by the State.
The Lab provides support to the County Department of Environmental Health, County Medical Examiner, County Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Fish and Game, and other agencies for protection of public health. Staff provides expert testimony for animal law enforcement agencies on animal cruelty and poisoning cases, and eliminates suspicion of criminal acts by establishing true causes of death.
For Commercial Livestock losses: Contact the County Veterinarian at 858-694-2838
Laboratory Services
The laboratory accepts samples from county residents, private veterinarians, and public agencies, on a fee-for-service basis.
Schedule of Laboratory Fees
Specimen Submission form
Please submit a completed form when submitting a specimen. Animal bodies should be stored refrigerated (NOT FROZEN) and submitted as soon as possible after death.
Bird Flu Information
Office of the County Veterinarian Bird flu Page
County of San Diego Bird flu Information
National and Global Bird flu Information
Questions about Bird Flu in animals? Call 858-694-2838
Animal Information
County Wildlife Services
Coyote Information (pdf)
San Diego County Animal Disease Information:
Small Animal Disease Report Form
Large Animal Disease Report Form
Animal Disease Updates
2007, Issue Three
2007, Issue Two
2007, Issue One
2006, Issue One
Bird Flu Responders Updates
October 2007
April 2007
General Animal Disease Information:
CDFA Animal Health Information
Exotic Newcastle Disease
Psittacosis (pdf)
Rabies
West Nile Virus
