Animal Health Centre
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.
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.
Accreditations
The Animal Health Centre is accredited by:
- The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AALVD) - full accreditation
- The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for ISO/IEC 17025 - standard for accredited techniques and specific tests in the Animal Health Centre’s scope of accreditation
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) forEquine Infectious Anemia (EIA) testing
Diagnostic Testing and Services
A full range of fee-for-service diagnostic testing, including Bacteriology, Histopathology, Molecular Diagnostics, 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, and fur-bearers and bees.
Management Team
Jane Pritchard, BA, DVM, MVetSc
Director Plant and Animal Health Branch
Chief Veterinary Officer
Ursula Viney, CPA, CGA
Manager, Business Operations
Chelsea Himsworth, DVM, MVetSc, PhD, Dipl ACVP
Leader, Veterinary Science and Diagnostics
Erin Zabek, BSc.
Veterinary Microbiologist / Biological Safety Officer / Section Head Serology & Bacteriology
Tomy Joseph, DVM, M.Sc., PhD
Veterinary Virologist / Quality Manager, Section Head, Virology & Molecular Diagnostics
