VLA Thirsk

There are 15 Regional VLA Laboratories distributed throughout England, Wales and Scotland. These laboratories provide a local catchment area for the submission and testing of diagnostic samples and play a key role in animal disease surveillance.  

Veterinary staff within the Laboratories have a high level of knowledge on local production problems and current disease levels within farmed species. Individuals develop complementary expertise in virology, parasitology, nutrition and metabolic-related disease together with histopathology. Additionally the Laboratories have a close working relationship with the UK veterinary schools, providing     training     for undergraduates.

The catchment area for VLA Thirsk covers Yorkshire, parts of Cleveland and County Durham and also North Lincolnshire.

Farm livestock numbers are high with all species represented; dairy and beef cattle fattening units, upland and lowland sheep, goats, poultry (broilers, layers and turkeys) and intensive and outdoor pigs. The farms range from the traditional hill farms through to large livestock units combined with arable farms. The Laboratory offers a full range of diagnostic services in farmed animals to veterinary practices within its area.