The Microbiology Laboratory is central to both the teaching and research of infectious diseases at The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science.
Case material coming through the laboratory forms the basis of case-based teaching of infectious disease courses to third year veterinary students. Publications and entire research projects often start as clinical samples presented to the laboratory. This was evidenced in recent years with the multiple-drug resistant E. coli work.
While the majority of this Laboratory's work involves routine culture and sensitivity requests, the VLS laboratory also deals with the rare, the unusual and the difficult to grow. Exotic animal microbiology always presents a challenge, and the laboratory currently performs diagnostic work for the aquaculture industries, National Parks, the EPA, leading sanctuaries, zoos and tourist parks.
The Laboratory is also highly experienced in herd health programs, including processing milk samples for mastitis screening studies and bovine respiratory disease. In addition to culture and sensitivity, the Laboratory also produces media supplies for teaching, research or on farm purposes.