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Provide client focused laboratory services and expertise in diagnostics, surveillance, teaching and research in support of animal health, public health, environmental health, food safety and market access.
Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc. (PDS) is a non-profit corporation created by a partnership of the Province of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan (the members). PDS is dedicated to providing a full range of veterinary diagnostic services.
PDS, as a not-for-profit, has a unique business model among Canadian publicly funded laboratories. Other labs that serve the public interest are typically governed and funded by the Province/State either directly, or through Universities in association with Veterinary Colleges. In contrast, PDS is governed by a Board of Directors and operates independently. Laboratory services are supported through the provision of grants and in-kind contributions from the Province and the University as well as fee for service from clients.
PDS operations are overseen by a fifteen person Board of Directors appointed by the members. The Board includes four member Directors, two each from the U of S and the Province, and eleven independent Directors. Independent Directors come from Ontario, all three prairie provinces and British Columbia to help position the company for strategic partnerships with the other provincial laboratories, clients and governments in supporting delivery of a comprehensive diagnostic service across the provinces.
The PDS Board of Directors has three sub-committees to support the work of the Board: the executive committee, a governance committee and an audit, finance and risk committee. PDS operations are managed by a team of six senior staff, including CEO.
PDS is located at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatoon with laboratories integrated directly into the College. The laboratory provides a full range of diagnostic services including: necropsy, surgical pathology, clinical pathology, histology, bacteriology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, virology, and toxicology. A contract lab at WCVM provides endocrinology services.
Diagnostic service is provided by 8 professional diagnostic staff and approximately 45 laboratory technologists and administrative staff. WCVM faculty actively participate in providing the diagnostic service through contract arrangements with PDS.
In support of the CAHSN initiative, PDS operates a Level 2+ bio-security testing laboratory where testing on highly pathogenic organisms can be performed. The lab is currently accredited by the SCC to test for Avian Influenza via both Real Time (RT) PCR and serology, Swine Influenza Real Time (RT) PCR, Newcastle Disease Real Time (RT) PCR, Foot and Mouth Disease via both Real Time (RT) PCR and serology, and Classical Swine Fever Real Time (RT) PCR.