leaping dolphin

Client Services

The molecular virology portion of the MEHDS laboratory service at UC Davis will be transferring to the University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program in April 2022. We will inform you in advance to ensure a smooth transition and access to service.

Client Services

Marine Ecosystem Health Diagnostic and Surveillance Laboratory

The Marine Ecosystem Health Diagnostic and Surveillance Laboratory (MEHDS) accept samples for diagnostic testing in support of wildlife biologists, marine animal scientists and marine animal clinicians. Learn more about submitting a sample. 

Mission Statement

We provide timely and quality diagnostic services to assess the impact of disease on marine wildlife. Our goal is to identify the role of various pathogens that contribute to the loss of wildlife.

Services
  • Diagnostic testing and support to members of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Network, wildlife biologists, marine animal scientists and marine animal clinicians
  • Transfer of technologies from other institutions to facilitate continued accessibility of developed diagnostics
  • Develop and optimize new methodologies for detecting and tracking diseases
  • Recognize and disseminate new knowledge that benefits marine animals, people and their environment
Data

Data is maintained in a database and may be utilized for analyses to facilitate disease surveillance purposes by the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Center for Marine Animal Health. For more information, see Submit Samples. 

Agreements to investigate and collectively publish scientific data to facilitate correct interpretation of results and protect both submitter investment in data and faculty investment in new research diagnostics will be established as needed. 

The Marine Health Lab has no requirement for co-authorship; however if the intellectual input exceeds the regular service function of the lab, co-authorship may be requested. When special projects require validation of new protocols and development of new assays, co-authorship may be required. All manuscripts prepared using data generated through the MEHDS should include consultation with all involved parties to ensure correct interpretation of the results and appropriate acknowledgements and affiliations. 

Methodology