Summary:
This issue of the Prairie Diagnostic Perspective celebrates both continuity and change within Prairie Diagnostic Services.
Farewell to Dr. Musangu Ngeleka
After joining PDS in 1999, Dr. Ngeleka has retired following more than two decades of exemplary service as a clinical veterinary microbiologist. Renowned for his work on E. coli and Salmonella, Dr. Ngeleka’s career combined scientific rigor with mentorship and humility. His research advanced animal health and food safety across Western Canada, leaving a lasting legacy at PDS and within the veterinary community.
Welcoming New Team Members
PDS introduces two accomplished scientists to its diagnostic team:
- Dr. Ruwani Karunarathna joins as a Microbiologist overseeing the Bacteriology and Molecular Diagnostics sections. With a PhD from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and recent diplomate status from the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, she brings deep expertise in Salmonella diagnostics and applied microbiological research.
- Dr. Shanika Kurukulasuriya joins as a Clinical Pathologist. A graduate of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and WCVM, she recently completed her Clinical Pathology residency and board certification. Her focus is on advancing high-quality veterinary diagnostics through clinical pathology.
Case Highlights
Two in-depth diagnostic case reports follow:
- A complex calf diarrhea case explores co-infections involving E. coli and the detection of Aichivirus B, demonstrating the value—and limitations—of metagenomic sequencing in determining disease causation.
- A canine hematology case study details advanced B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in a dog, underscoring the diagnostic role of flow cytometry in identifying and characterizing lymphoproliferative disorders.
The issue concludes with technical submission guidance for Johne’s disease testing, emphasizing sample handling and labeling protocols to ensure reliable results.