The West Tennessee Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is a tissue/sample collection site that operates as a satellite facility of C.E. Kord Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Nashville with many of the same rules, regulations and fee services already in place at C.E. Kord.
Location and Hours of Operation
Located on the UT Martin main campus at 127 Campus Road, our normal hours of operation are Monday thru Friday by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call our office at 731-881-1071. The laboratory is closed on holidays and administrative closing dates. If you are calling after hours with a herd health emergency or possible disease outbreak, please contact the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency at 615-741-0001.
Lab Services and Information
Only necropsies are performed at the laboratory. On all necropsies, tissues will be shipped overnight to C.E. Kord. If, on gross necropsy, a tentative diagnosis can be made, clients are informed of a tentative diagnosis. All definitive diagnoses, however, will be made by veterinary pathologists at C.E. Kord and reported to the client and their veterinarian.
Do animals presented to the laboratory have to be referred by a veterinarian?
In the same way as C.E. Kord operates, animals do not have to be referred by a veterinarian. The owner will be strongly advised to list a veterinarian where the pathology report may be sent. In this way, a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship will be maintained by the veterinarian and the client. Recommendations for preventive health measures or disease control will not be made by lab employees, reflecting the policy that the local practitioner that has visited the farm and is familiar with the management practices is best positioned to advise the owner.
Is there a charge for agricultural animals?
There is no charge for necropsy of agricultural animals. On all other animals, the basic fee structure of C.E. Kord will be followed. State law defines those animals exempt from fees as being raised for food or fiber, and also exempts horses.
Do you perform necropsies on companion animals and exotics?
Yes. Fees are set by C.E. Kord Lab and can be found at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/agriculture/documents/animalhealth/2018/NEW_FEES_June_2017.pdf.
Fees accrued will be billed to the veterinary clinic listed from C.E. Kord Lab, therefore clients will be billed through their veterinary clinic. WTADDL will contact your veterinarian for referral prior to performing the necropsy since there is a charge involved. No payments are handled at WTADDL.
You may download, print, and fill out the KORD animal necropsy submission form prior to coming to the lab, or we will provide the form when you arrive. You will also sign a release form stating that you will not get the animal back after necropsy. Disposal of remains will be handled by the lab.
Is euthanasia a service of the laboratory?
No. The laboratory is on a university campus and based on the possible danger to students and staff employed by the university, euthanasia will not be performed on the premises. No live animals will be accepted for necropsy.