ODA ADDL Introduces Cremation Services Through Forever Friends Pet Crematorium
Dr. Ryan Yanez, DVM, DACVP - Pathology Section Head
The Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is pleased to announce the addition of cremation services for pets, available through a partnership with Forever Friends Pet Crematorium and Memorialization. This new service has been requested by many pet owners and veterinary clinics and will allow owners to receive both comprehensive lab services and the respectful handling and return of their animals' remains.
The collaboration with Forever Friends Crematorium ensures that owners can access private cremation services, providing peace of mind during a difficult time. When submitting a deceased animal for a necropsy, you will be able to request a private cremation. Forever Friends offers a premium private cremation option which includes private cremation, clipping of fur, clay paw print and other personalized memorial items. After the ADDL Pathology section completes the necropsy and any other necessary testing, Forever Friends will arrange a pickup of the remains and will contact you personally.
Forever Friends also offers private cremations for large animals which will only include the head, heart and hooves of your animal. ADDL disposal costs will still apply for large animals. Pet owners and veterinarians are encouraged to contact the Pathology section for more information on how to access these new cremation services. Our team is dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the process, ensuring both high-quality diagnostic testing and dignified cremation and memorialization options.
Please note that legal/insurance necropsies have a longer turnaround time and as a result, remains will take longer to be released to Forever Friends. Additionally, animals that are found to be infected with dangerous zoonotic agents may not be released for cremation due to the risk these pathogens pose to human and public health.
We value our clients’ input! Your feedback helps us better understand our clients’ needs and continuously improve the quality and accuracy of the services we provide. Please take a moment to complete our Client Survey.
Dominika Jurkovic, PhD - Central Receiving Section Head
The ADDL is excited to welcome several new team members: Rachael Funk (Serology), Elizabeth Baker (Pathology), Dr. Mir Himayet Kabir (Virology), and Haley St. Clair (Central Receiving). We also want to recognize Erika Cline (Serology) and Tori Peachey (Virology) for their recent promotions in the laboratory. Each of these individuals brings unique experiences, skills, and passions that will enrich our work and strengthen our team.
L to R: Rachael Funk, Elizabeth Baker, Dr. Mir Himayet Kabir
Rachael Funk joins the ADDL from ODA’s Analytical Toxicology Laboratory. Rachael earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from The Ohio State University in 2023 and has gained a wide range of laboratory experience. She has performed microbiological testing on food samples at Mérieux NutriSciences and contributed to biological warfare and vaccine trial research at Battelle. In her free time, Rachael enjoys reading, experimenting with makeup, and watching soccer.
Elizabeth Baker graduated from the University of Findlay with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, where she specialized in sheep production and completed an internship with an organic farm-to-table operation. She has also worked in vaccine development, focusing on treatment efficacy for biological and chemical agents. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys visiting local coffee shops, reading, and exploring new places.
Dr. Mir Himayet Kabir earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh. He began his research career working on global health and infectious disease projects, focusing on early childhood mortality and multidrug-resistant bacteria. In 2025, he earned his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Toledo, where he focused on developing antiviral drug targets for dengue and Zika viruses. Himayet enjoys spending his free time outdoors, especially fishing and gardening, which provide relaxation and inspiration beyond the laboratory.
L to R: Erika Cline and Haley St. Clair
Haley St. Clair graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences, specializing in Biosciences. Having worked in animal-related industries since she was 16, Haley has developed a passion for animal welfare and is particularly interested in evaluating policies that impact animals’ biological needs. She also enjoys creating naturalistic habitats for small animals to study the benefits of enrichment. At home, she raises hobby chickens and continues exploring animal well-being.
Erika Cline was promoted to Serology Laboratory Scientist after almost two years in Central Receiving. Erika earned degrees in Zoo and Wildlife Biology and Psychology from Malone University in 2018 and has gained experience working at deer breeding ranches in Ohio and Texas. When she’s not working, Erika enjoys reading murder mysteries, hunting, fishing, and spending time with her two dogs.
Tori Peachey has recently been promoted to Laboratory Scientist in Virology. Tori joined the ADDL in July 2024 as a laboratory technician. She earned her bachelor degrees in Biology and Entomology from the Ohio State University in 2022. Outside of work, she volunteers with Colony Cats, were she fosters kittens.
Tori Peachey processing samples for FA testing.
Rose Blocker, RVT - Serology Laboratory Scientist
The Avian Serology section has updated its testing schedule to improve service for poultry producers. These changes were made to streamline our processes and better accommodate the growing needs of the Ohio poultry industry.
Schedule Changes
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Chicken & Turkey Profiles: Turkey and chicken profile testing will now be performed together on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Mycoplasma (MG, MS, & MM): Turkey and chicken mycoplasma testing will be done on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Hemagglutination Inhibition: All hemagglutination inhibition tests will be performed on Fridays to ensure timely reporting of results.
Sample Submission and Results
For samples to be tested on a specific day, they must arrive at the lab the business day before or earlier. For example, if a test is run on Tuesday, the sample must arrive by Monday.
Reporting times vary depending on the test. For instance, ELISA tests and the Salmonella Rapid Plate Agglutination Test are typically reported by the end of the day they are run. Other tests, like Avian Influenza AGID, require overnight incubation, so results are usually available the day after the test is run.
For more information on pricing, turnaround times, or submission requirements, please visit the ADDL website's Tests and Fees Search or Submission Information pages, or call the laboratory at (614) 728-6220.
2025 Summer Interns
We are greatful to our summer interns for their hard work and contributions to ADDL. We're proud of all of them and wish them the very best as they begin the new academic year.
Front Row (L to R): Lily Dixon, Olivia Johnson, Reagan Armstrong, Aleena Cain Back Row (L to R): Laci Kuhlwein, Rose Martinez, Andrew King-Smith (Not Pictured) Sophia Stoke
ADDL Now Offering Mycoplasma synoviae Sequencing
Jonah Perkins, MPH - Molecular Diagnostics Lab Scientist
Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is one of several pathogenic mycoplasma species infecting chickens and turkeys. Although the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) surveillance and control programs have decreased the incidence of MS infections in commercial poultry, large outbreaks still occur. MS can be spread through horizontal (bird to bird) or transovarian (hen to egg) transmission. MS most commonly occurs as a subclinical upper respiratory tract infection, but stress and/or co-infections with other respiratory disease pathogens may develop infectious synovitis. The first signs of disease include pale and bluish head parts, lameness and slowed growth. More advanced cases develop swollen joints, sternal bursitis (breast blisters) and green droppings containing large amounts of urates (uric acid crystals). Egg production can be reduced in layer flocks and shell abnormalities have been reported in European cases. MS strains vary widely in their ability to produce disease due to a variety of virulence factors.
NPIP control programs have drastically reduced MS infections in primary breeder flocks in the USA. Purchase of chicks and poults from MS-free breeder flocks and strict biosecurity practices are the best methods to prevent infection of market flocks. When outbreaks do occur, tracing the source of the infection can be key to preventing re-introductions. Many methods have been developed to identify circulating strains, providing valuable information to control efforts. The ADDL is now offering targeted sequencing of the vlhA gene, allowing clients to identify which strain of MS is infecting their flock. Acceptable sample types are respiratory tissues such as lung, trachea, sinus, whole blood (purple top tube) and cloacal, tracheal and oropharyngeal swabs. The current price for MS sequencing is $76 per sample and the testing code for request is M. MSseq. Clients will receive a sequencing report consisting of strain identification and a phylogenetic tree. Further characterization or analysis may be available upon request. For more information on sample submission, shipping, and testing, please visit our website https://agri.ohio.gov/programs/animal-disease-diagnostic-lab/welcome or call the lab at 614-728-6220.
References:
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals (Terrestrial Manual),13th edition (2024), Section 3.3.5 Avian mycoplasmosis, Codes and Manuals - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health.
El-Gazzar, M. (2020, May). Mycoplasma synoviae Infection in Poultry. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/mycoplasmosis/mycoplasma-synoviae-infection-in-poultry
Labor Day Holiday Closure
Ohio ADDL will be closed on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.
If you need to contact us regarding an urgent matter, please use our after hours phone number (888) 456-3405
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