Avian Bioscience Center

Animal & Food Sciences

University of Delaware Poultry Health System (UDPHS)

The University of Delaware’s Poultry Health System (UDPHS) is an all avian species, full service diagnostic laboratory. The UDPHS consists of two state of the art laboratories; the Lasher Laboratory in Georgetown, Delaware and the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Charles C. Allen Biotechnology Laboratory in Newark, Delaware. The UDPHS laboratories are Level 2 members of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and accredited (Certificate Number: 3585.01) to the ISO17025 standard by the A2LA to perform official avian influenza virus and virulent Newcastle disease virus diagnostic PCR based testing. The Lasher Laboratory is also approved by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) organization to perform Salmonella and Mycoplasma diagnostic assay.

The UDPHS has the ability to quickly and efficiently respond to industry needs for poultry disease diagnosis and outreach activities. Based in Sussex Country Delaware, the most poultry dense county in the USA, the Lasher Laboratory represent the first line of defense against poultry diseases. Lasher Lab is staffed by six full-time technicians and one veterinarian. Newark based faculty and staff add diagnostic virology and microscopic pathology capabilities to the System.

Diagnostic service offerings for commercial and backyard hobbyists include poultry necropsy and clinical diagnosis, bacteriology, mycology, molecular diagnostic testing, histopathology and serology. Poultry disease applied and basic research projects can be performed in collaboration with poultry industry, allied industry and University scientists.

Program Personnel

Poultry Health System | Avian Bioscience Center | Animal and Food Sciences | University of Delaware

Jack Gelb & Brian Ladman - Avian Influenza

Avian Biosciences Center

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The center will lead the way in research, education, and outreach programs that will provide solutions to contemporary problems in the avian biosciences. Defining and accomplishing science-based solutions to contemporary problems in the avian biosciences.

Director and Steering Committee

Meet the researchers on board to assist with prioritizing and steering the focus of the center.

One Health

Zoonotic diseases are very common, both in the United States and around the world. A "One Health" approach to research provides an opportunity to understand the relationships between humans and animals.

Outreach and Extension

The focus will be on coordinating efforts among government agencies, universities and the poultry industry abroad to increase efficiency, biosecurity protocols and poultry operations.

Poultry Health Systems

The overall goal of the Poultry Health program is to provide surveillance, rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control of avian diseases.

Emergency Poultry Disease Response (EPDR) Certificate Course

Teaches U.S. and international professionals about preparedness planning, biosecurity and assessment tools, and rapid response techniques and technology.

Poultry Research

UD's poultry research includes topics in the management of mortality and litter quality, disease prevention, ventilation and energy, poultry house construction, animal standards of care and overall best practices in poultry management.