Animal Health Centre

Last updated on February 26, 2024

The Animal Health Centre is the leading accredited full-service veterinary laboratory in Western Canada, offering more than 400 laboratory diagnostic tests for agents that may be found in wild and domestic birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians.

 

Moo, Cluck, Oink or Baa. We are listening! Help us improve our services.

We value your opinion and would like to know how we can make your Animal health Centre experience better. Please complete a short survey by March 8, 2024, to help identify areas for improvement. Feedback, other information and comments may be sent to pahb@gov.bc.ca at any time.

Our clients speak! QR code and link to survey of the Animal Health Centre

Diagnostic testing and services

A full range of fee-for-service diagnostic testing, including bacteriology, histopathology, molecular diagnostics, pathology (necropsy), serology and virology are accepted from veterinarians, livestock producers, the general public and other government agencies. 

While primarily concerned with food-producing animals, the Animal Health Centre also provides diagnostic services for companion animals, captive and free-ranging wildlife, zoo animals, fish, fur-bearers and bees.

Mandatory actions and testing for reportable diseases

Animal owners, veterinarians, and laboratories are required to immediately report suspicions of certain serious animal and zoonotic (contagious from animals to people) diseases under the federal Health of Animals Act, and the provincial Animal Health Act.

Many diseases are named and reportable under both acts and must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the BC Office of the Chief Veterinarian; however, the list of reportable diseases and syndromes in the provincial legislation is broader.

Accreditations, vision and mission

 

Accreditations

The Animal Health Centre is accredited by:

In addition to accreditation, the AHC also undergoes proficiency testing.

  • The Molecular Diagnostics section undergoes proficiency testing conducted by the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases (NCFAD) and USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory
  • The Serology section undergoes proficiency testing conducted by the CFIA, NCFAD and the USDA's National Veterinary Services Lab. It is also an approved Johne's disease (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis) testing lab, having successfully passed NVSL serology panels since 1999
 

Vision and mission

Vision

A thriving, sustainable agricultural industry free from serious impacts caused by pests and diseases, for the benefit of all citizens of British Columbia.

Mission

To diagnose, monitor, and assist in the prevention, control and management of animal pests and diseases in British Columbia.

 

 

Salmonella Dublin Program
Smallholder Program

To help determine the cause of death of your animals, please visit the subsidized disease detection program.

Contact information

Animal Health Centre

Monday-Friday
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Toll Free
1-800-661-9903
Fax
604-556-3010
Office of the Chief Veterinarian
Chief.Veterinarian@gov.bc.ca
Address
1767 Angus Campbell Road
Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2M3