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.
As we move forward in this COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking all measures to continue provision of our core services. At the same time we must keep in mind the health and well being of our staff. We realize that our clients are also facing these very same issues.
We continue to be open for business and are glad to receive your submissions. If possible, please have your paperwork completed prior to coming to the Animal Health Centre.
We will continue to strive to meet published turn around times.
We truly appreciate your patience as we move through this very unpredictable situation.
Any changes will be noted here on our website.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. For efficiency email is best – PAHB@gov.bc.ca
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) for Equine 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
Ursula Viney, CPA, CGA
Executive Director
Rayna Gunvaldsen, BSA, DVM, MSc
Chief Veterinarian
Animal Welfare and Dairy Program Veterinarian
Chelsea Himsworth, DVM, MVetSc, PhD, Dipl ACVP
Leader, Veterinary Science and Diagnostics
Erin Zabek, BSc., RMCCM
Biological Safety Officer / Section Head/Laboratory Operations
Tomy Joseph, DVM, M.Sc., PhD
Veterinary Virologist / Section Head, Virology & Molecular Diagnostics
Kazal Ghosh, DVM, MS, MSc, Dipl. ACVM
Veterinary Microbiologist/Section Head Bacteriology and Serology
