RESEARCH
Organoids
New
OPENING NEW FACILITY
By Province deputy Liesbeth Grijsen and GD Group CEO Ynte Schukken
Proficiency testing schemes in 2025
Why participate?
1. To evaluate laboratory performance
2. To identify problems
3. To maintain or achieve ISO 17025 accreditation
4. To identify interlaboratory differences
Application and questions
More information about our PTS and the application form can be found on our website www.gdanimalhealth.com/PTS
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via pts@gdanimalhealth.com
Round 7 - August
VLDIA323PTS Bacterial Identification Cattle round 2
VLDIA324 PTS Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial strains Cattle round 2
VLDIA323PTS Bacterial Identification Porcine
VLDIA324 PTS Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial strains Porcine
Round 8 - September
VLDIA232PTS for AI antibody detection
VLDIA327PTS for Avian Influenza RNA detection
VLDIA233PTS for Salmonella poultry antibody detection
VLDIA171PTS for Salmonella porcine antibody detection
VLDIA295PTS for SIV antibody detection
VLDIA347PTS for SIV RNA detection
View the entire schedule: www.gdanimalhealth.com/pts/timeschedule
EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS
Writing a foreword for each GD Update means that you are regularly reviewing all the new developments going on at GD, which is a privilege. Each time I go through the latest issue I am proud to be working for such an innovative, dynamic and versatile organization as GD. This edition is a special one as we report on three exciting new developments.
First of all the opening of our new animal facility for swine, cattle and poultry research. On March 6th we celebrated this milestone with our colleagues and partners. The brand new facility, which is currently under validation and inspection, opens up a range of new possibilities for studying the efficacy and safety of new veterinary pharmaceutical products and feed additives. Let me quote Liesbeth Grijsen, deputy of the Province of Overijssel here: “This is not just a building. It is a place where innovation, collaboration and dedication to animal health come together.”
Secondly we report about a revolutionary new diagnostic test for avian influenza that we developed in collaboration with our partner Alveo Technologies. The Alveo Sense is a rapid test that gives a result within 45 minutes with PCR accuracy. Read more about this exciting development in the interview with our scientists Remco Dijkman and Sjaak de Wit on page 7. The third development covered in this issue is the use of organoids to study poultry gut health. The organoids available at GD can be used to study a number of applications. The article reports on the use of this in vitro tool to study various strains of E. cecorum. The use of in vitro models in combination with in vivo models helps us to refine and reduce animal testing.
Apart from these developments there is much more in this issue. Among others a nice interview with our Director of Operations, Jan-Willem Meiburg on the back of this magazine.
Berend Oosterhuis, Head of Contract Research & Consulting
CONTACT INFORMATION ROYAL GD
If you want to know more about what GD can do for you, please contact one of our staff members, responsible for international sales:
Berend Oosterhuis Head of Contract Research & Consulting b.oosterhuis@gdanimalhealth.com
Annemiek Kolkman Business manager a.kolkman@gdanimalhealth.com
Jarno Smit Business manager j.smit@gdanimalhealth.com
Chantal OnvleeBijlemeer Sales support support@gdanimalhealth.com
Hannelore Braam Sales support support@gdanimalhealth.com
Phone +31 (0)88 20 25 575
E-mail info@gdanimalhealth.com
Website www.gdanimalhealth.com
Mail address GD P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands
Editor Update Jessica Fiks
Delivery address for samples and post mortem material
Eveline Peereboom
Business manager e.peereboom@gdanimalhealth.com
Fanny Nieuwenhuis Business manager f.nieuwenhuis@gdanimalhealth.com
Sebastiaan Bierma Business manager s.bierma@gdanimalhealth.com
Frank Huis in ‘t Veld Sales support support@gdanimalhealth.com
Janine Boertien Sales support support@gdanimalhealth.com
Royal GD, Attn. CMD, Rigastraat 25, 7418 EW Deventer, the Netherlands
03 Foreword
04
Cultured intestines provide opportunities for enterococcal research
07 Alveo Sense detects the presense of avian influenza virus in poultry
12 Opening new animal facility. Celebrating innovation, collaboration and dedication
15 News en communications
16 GD specialist: Jan-Willem Meiburg content
CULTURED INTESTINES IN POULTRY RESEARCH
Cultured intestines provide opportunities for enterococcal research
Infections with Enterococcus cecorum are a threat to the health and welfare of poultry and can cause great economic damage. The use of culture intestines in the laboratory allows highly targeted research into pathogenic strains of this bacterium. This brings an intervention closer faster and cheaper.
Organoids are a type of mini-organs created in the laboratory from tissue or stem cells. They consist of three-dimensional structures where the cells organize themselves and mimic the anatomy and function of real organs, such as the liver, brain or intestines, on a much smaller scale. This makes organoids a valuable tool for scientific research but also for seeking intervention strategies. The use of organoids in research offers several advantages. They help to better understand disease processes and test new interventions in an environment that more closely resembles a real body (human or animal) than studies on cells, for example. This increases the chance of reliable results and can reduce the number of animal experiments. Before these cultured intestines existed, laboratory research was done on cell lines or on laboratory animals. These cell lines consist of only one type of cell that never represent a complex organ, which limits the usefulness of the research results.
Cultured intestines in poultry research
Thanks to organoids, we have species- and organ-specific models available for research. In 2021, a chicken intestinal organoid model was developed that mimics the barrier function of the intestine, the structure of intestinal bulges and the diversity of intestinal cells. The different layers of a chicken’s intestinal wall can all be found in these cultured intestines. For example, we can mimic the reactions of the chicken gut when a virus or bacteria is introduced.
Thanks to chicken intestinal organoids, enterococcal research is now possible and GD is taking up this opportunity.
Other uses
However, the cultured intestines can do even more. For example, one can use these cultured chicken intestines to address:
• the usefulness and effectiveness of nutritional supplements;
• the effect of stressors (heat or infections) on the gut;
• the immune response and effectiveness of nutritional supplements;
• the effect of genetics on gut health.
All in all, cultured intestines are an interesting addition to the research opportunities at GD. Especially since they shorten the route from research to practice and thus can contribute to solutions for the poultry industry more quickly.
JEANINE WIEGEL
“It’s great to see how different ways of research can come together to further unravel the disease process and investigate what interventions can be effective.”
LONNEKE VERVELDE
“With these cultured intestines, in addition to scientific research on the interaction between pathogens and the chicken, we can also screen interventions in the laboratory before conducting animal experiments.”
Intestinal
organoid
Virulent enterococci
Enterococcus cecorum bacterium is normally a regular member of the intestinal flora of healthy chickens. However, about 20 years ago, the first pathogenic strains of this bacterium emerged. Since then, these bacteria have posed a major challenge to the poultry industry. Regularly recurring outbreaks result in lameness, production loss and mortality. The pathogenic strains are found in the thigh bone and vertebrae, while harmless Enterococcus cecorum bacteria locate in the intestines. It appears that the malignant bacteria spread through the gut to other tissues. Exactly how that process of spreading occurs has been little studied. A major reason is that the research has been very difficult and always requires laboratory animals.
Thanks to chicken intestinal organoids, this research is now possible and GD is taking up this opportunity. A newly developed test by GD with Enterococcus cecorum showed that using intestinal organoids is a good way to investigate both the interaction between pathogen and chicken gut, and to look at ways to control the pathogen. That reduces the number of studies in live chickens and it can provide faster and cheaper answers in outbreaks. Or when bringing new interventions to market.
UNIQUE NEW RAPID TEST FOR BIRD FLU
Alveo Sense detects the presence of avian influenza virus in poultry
In collaboration with the experts of Alveo Technologies, Royal GD has developed a molecular rapid test for detecting avian influenza. It is the first time that loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology has been deployed this way in a veterinary context. It can demonstrate on-site –quickly, simply and reliably – whether birds are infected with influenza group A and subtypes H5, H7 and H9. This allows immediate action and faster detection, leading to better control of new outbreaks.
The traditional way of testing for influenza among poultry involves sending samples to a qualified laboratory for a RT-PCR test, which takes time. In the case of bird flu, time is of the essence. Depending on the local situation, the RT-PCR and laboratory may be of insufficient quality or simply unavailable. That is why GD and the American company Alveo Technologies have joined forces and developed the Alveo Sense™ Poultry Avian Influenza test. It is intended for use with samples from ill or recently deceased birds with a suspected infection with an influenza A virus, including bird flu.
First developed for Covid Remco Dijkman, a senior R&D researcher at GD, knows exactly how that came about, as he has been involved in the development of the test from the beginning. “We worked regularly with Dr Richard Currie from the company x-Ovo, particularly on the avian infectious bronchitis virus, IBV. Richard came across this technology from Alveo roughly two years ago and thought it was very interesting, so he asked if we could help develop the test.”
Alveo originally developed the technology and the test for use for Covid. It was not really used much for that, as this was at the time the pandemic was coming to an end. “The experts of Alveo have thorough knowledge of the technology but they aren’t familiar with the poultry sector. The test was already properly developed and the device for testing the samples, which is the size of a mobile phone, was already available. But there weren’t any specific tests for poultry yet, of course. We were unsure for a while about whether to develop tests for both IBV and influenza, but eventually went full steam ahead with bird flu. The bottom line is that bird flu is playing an increasingly significant role worldwide.”
Specific virus types
A great deal of R&D work went into developing the specific tests for subtypes of avian influenza virus.
“There are lots of types of viruses and the viruses are mutating all the time. That in turn has implications for the test. We
Alveo Sense: how it works
No special laboratory equipment is needed for carrying out the test: just the sample material, the test device and the software downloaded onto a mobile device. The test can therefore be done on-site at the poultry farm and it is relatively simple. Both tra-cheal and cloacal swabs can be used for testing, from symptomatic or asymptomatic chickens.
The single-use cartridges that the test solution is inserted into can simultaneously test for the AIV influenza group A and subtypes H5, H7 and H9. The test takes 45 minutes, after which the report with results appears in the app and it is clear whether the poultry is infected with the influenza virus and which subtype it is. If the result is positive, action can be taken quickly and measures taken to prevent further spread.
wanted to make the test as broad as possible so that it could at least show that it was an avian influenza virus (Influenza A virus). On top of that, we also wanted to be able to test which specific virus subtype it was.” We managed that.
The Alveo Sense™ Poultry Avian Influenza test can be used to test for the presence of avian influenza A in general, so all subtypes 1 to 16. Additionally, the test provides a result for H5, currently the most important subtype that includes the pandemic bird flu viruses. Depending on the test cartridge used, Alveo Sense can also test for the presence of H7 or H9. This innovative molecular testing device enables direct analysis of primary samples, eliminating the need for prior DNA or RNA extraction. It streamlines the testing process by integrating sample preparation and detection, providing rapid and accurate results with minimal handling and preparation. Ideal for point-
of-care diagnostics, this device simplifies molecular testing, making it faster, more efficient, and accessible.
Remco’s colleague, GD’s R&D senior researcher Sjaak de Wit, explains exactly how that works. “There is a range of bird flu virus types. H7 isn’t very common worldwide, for instance, but its highly pathogenic strains do cause very high mortality in poultry. It’s an brid flu variant that turns up regularly on all continents. H9 is far less lethal but it is present in big parts of the world, for instance in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. When poultry is infected with this low-pathogenic variant, a lot of harm to health as well as economic damage can be seen. Depending on which virus variant you want to test for, there are alternative test cartridges – one tests for general influenza A, H5 and H7 and the other tests for general influenza A, H5 and H9.”
The reason why two different cartridges were developed is very simple, says Remco Dijkman. “There simply aren’t enough positions available on a cartridge to test for all the variants at once.”
Method
There are seven positions available in a single test cartridge. When a sample is placed on the cartridge, it is passed through seven capillary-action tubes. Two of the capillaries test for influenza A in general, three test for H5, one tests for H7 or H9 (depending on the cartridge type) and one is an internal con-
“The laboratory validation studies show that the test is >99% specific for AIV subtypes, with no cross-reactivity”
trol. Unlike the familiar lateral flow rapid tests that were also used for Covid, Alveo Sense tests for genetic material. “Covid rapid tests work using protein: you’re basically only testing for the outside of the virus,” says Dijkman, “whereas Alveo Sense is a bit more like the PCR tests which are done in laboratories. It targets the viral RNA, identifying the presence of the genetic material of the virus.That also makes it more accurate and sensitive. In effect, the testing equipment means you have a mini-lab at hand.”
The Alveo Sense testing equipment, includes swabs, two buffers, a syringe with filter, a pipette, the test cartridge itself and the device (analyser) that the cartridge is inserted into.
“You take a cloacal or tracheal swab from birds that are sick or have just died,” explains Dijkman. “You rinse these swabs in the first buffer, which is then passed through a special syringe with a filter to remove the coarse particles. You add that filtered liquid to the reaction buffer, which is the second tube. Then you use a special pipette to inject the material into the cartridge, where it moves by capillary action to the various tubes. The cartridge is placed in the test device, where DNA is produced from the RNA material. This is done at a constant temperature of 52°C. After that, the device gets warmed up to 65°C, which is when the replication of the DNA material happens.” In the same way as in the PCR technique, the DNA from the sample is copied numerous times, making viruses detectable.
Testing for resistance
Alveo Sense uses reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification technology, or LAMP for short. “Loop-mediated means that the enzyme is endlessly looping round and the DNA is being replicated, with fragments falling off all the time,” Remco explains. “The electrical impendance of the reaction mixture is measured continuously and the result is determined based on that. So this technique doesn’t work with a colour change, like many other LAMP techniques, but with resistance. That’s actually an advantage, because it means the colour of the sample material doesn’t influence the reaction outcome. The
Reaction from Alveo
“Headquartered in Alameda in California, Alveo was initially founded as a human health-focused company, developing diagnostic solutions that adhere to stringent clinical validation standards and regulatory requirements. The collaboration with GD, facilitated by Richard Currie of x-OvO, unites Alveo’s innovative molecular testing platform with GD’s world-class veterinary expertise to enhance farm animal health and welfare. When expanding into poultry diagnostics, the Alveo team applied the same rigorous testing, analytical validation, and quality control processes to ensure highly accurate and reli able on-farm Avian Influenza detection.
We believe Alveo and GD have co-developed an animal health testing platform at precisely the time the industry is in need of such innovation. The collaboration brought together scientific expertise, veterinary knowledge and diagnostic innovation to develop a highly sensitive and specific molecular test for all relevant strains of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). And this test is just the beginning: we are working closely with GD to expand our poultry diagnostic portfolio and address additional high-impact diseases affecting swine, bovine and other key animal populations. Alveo is committed to delivering transformative diagnostic solutions that let farmers, veterinarians and public health officials to detect and respond to disease outbreaks faster than ever before.”
samples can easily be a bit pinkish or brownish because of blood or manure. If the test is based on a colour change, that can affect the result. But not if resistance is used.
After forty-five minutes in the analyser, the results are shown in an app that you can install on your mobile phone. The app says whether the outcome was positive or negative for influenza A virus in general and for each of the three virus variants (H5, and H7 or H9). So you find out in three quarters of an hour whether the poultry tested was infected with avian influenza, and which variant it is if so.
Dijkman is proud that the Alveo Sense test is now available for use in practice. “It was an intense development process with quite a few bumps along the road. But then, that’s part of the charm of developing something new. We have a very good team.
Sander Schuurman and Renske Vriesema have also done an enormous amount of work on this project. The time difference meant that the meetings with our colleagues from Alveo in America were in the evenings. We’ve developed something really neat together. Pretty unique, too, because the existing LAMP technology had never been used this way, by measuring the resistance on the spot with a mobile device and associated app. And it’s new to the veterinary and agricultural world anyway.”
Validation in the field
His fellow-researcher Sjaak de Wit concurs that the test works very well, in technical terms. That was checked extensively in the
for on-site use, though, of course. There can always be differences between the validation of a test in the lab and the way it works in practice.”
The laboratory validation studies show that the test is >99% specific for AIV subtypes, with no cross-reactivity. Sensitivity tests show detection thresholds with RT-PCR Ct values of 29 to 33 for H5, H7 and H9. This is why it is important to take the samples from birds that are sick or have just died, as they contain larger amounts of virus.
Extensive testing for bird flu in the field is difficult, though. The field samples available for bird flu are few and they are difficult to get hold of. “Even so, we’re going to validate the test more extensively with field samples. This is being done by independent reference laboratories in England and Italy, for instance, using samples submitted from flocks infected with AIV. Those have already been tested there with PCR, so we can compare the results given by Alveo Sense against those results. If there is a bird flu outbreak in the Netherlands, a GD poultry veterinarian will take samples from the suspected flock. Those samples will be tested by PCR as well as with Alveo Sense. For that too, we will check if the results match the official results from the Dutch reference laboratory, WBVR.” Then it will become fully clear whether Alveo Sense works as well in practice as it does in the laboratory. De Wit accepts that there is an inherent contradiction in this form of field validation. “You hope there won’t be bird flu outbreaks, of course, but on the other hand you’d also like to have samples for testing.”
Making the difference
Sjaak de Wit expects Alveo Sense to provide added value above all in countries where monitoring for bird flu and the availabil-
ity of test laboratories is limited. Sjaak: “In many countries, the situation is complex. There may be no opportunities for extensive laboratory diagnostics because there is no funding for it, or there are no suitable laboratories or they are a long way from the farm. Under those circumstances in particular, the Alveo Sense test can be valuable and make a big difference. It makes quick and reliable testing possible on-site and it is soon clear whether sick and/or dead birds have avian influenza.” The results of the test are confidential, but can of course be shared with others. “This can be done at several levels. You can keep the results to yourself, you can share them with a company or integration, for instance.” Alveo Sense is also a great solution
“If samples from sick or fresh dead animals test negative, it’s unlikely that the healthy part of the flock is infected”
for governmental authorities. It allows them to create more insights in locations of outbreaks and mapping those outbreaks. Great for use as monitoring tool of avian influenza in a country, faster detection and control. This will further protect poultry health and safety.
If you’d like to know more, go to www.gdanimalhealth.com/alveo-sense
OPENING NEW ANIMAL FACILITY
Celebrating innovation, collaboration and dedication
The story of GD Ynte Schukken, CEO of GD Group.
“Let’s start with the beginning of GD. It started in 1919 in the province of Friesland in the North of the country. The goal was to improve the health of cattle and the quality of milk. After 1945 the other provinces started animal health services too. For a long time, we had an animal health service in every province. To increase cost efficiency, there was a need for merger. So they merged from provincial to regional and eventually to a national animal health service, GD, in 2000. After hundred years, a company can ask for the royal stamp. So in 2019 we became Royal GD. In 2021 we decided to also build the GD Group, a holding organisation. Today, the GD Group has approximately fifteen daughter companies in different parts of the world and keeps expanding.”
On March 6th, after several years of planning and hard work, our new animal facility was officially opened. We celebrated this fact with our partners and clients at our headquarters in Deventer. Over 90 participants could attend various breakout sessions with GD experts and, of course, take a tour through the new facility.
Berend Oosterhuis, head of Contract Research & Consulting, opened the afternoon by welcoming all participants and putting the opening of the facility into a larger perspective: “The new facility is part of our strategy to expand our international contract research capabilities. We have been working very actively on this for the past couple of years. Apart from expanding our capabilities for running animal trials under controlled conditions we are also expanding our capacity to conduct clinical trials in the field. By acquiring companies in Ireland, Germany and so on we are able to offer clinical trials in different parts of Europe.”
Province deputy Liesbeth Grijsen and GD Group CEO Ynte Schukken
The new facility consists of three small (10 m2) and three large (40m2) rooms and a small BSL-3 laboratory. With the new facility the maximum capacity for housing poultry and pigs has more than doubled. In addition to poultry and pigs, the facility is also suitable for hosting small ruminants and calves. “The aim of the new facility is not just to increase the animal capacity but to broaden the range of studies that we can facilitate”, continues Berend. The new facility adds a number of possibilities to our current offering such as hosting pregnant sows, working with BSL-3 grade pathogens and performing small surgeries.”
Investing in animal health
Ynte Schukken, CEO of GD Group, gave a speech in which he described the process that lead to building this new facility: “When you have an opening like this. It’s a moment of reflection. It’s also an opportunity. What are we doing as a company, where do we stand? I think it is very nice, we feel
“Today we see the result of that ambition: a modern research center where GD can continue working at the highest level on disease prevention, diagnostics and treatment”
Jessica Fiks, editor
blessed that we have the opportunity to do good diagnostics. Now we have GLP certification. So we can do more of contract research. We can analyse the material we get from the studies and improve diagnostics and do more research. Ultimately, it reaches our mission. To provide insight into animal health. We collect data, we do research, we have surveillance programmes and so on. All to make sure that animals owners have all the tools they need to improve animal health. We are here because we have a continuing interest and ambition in contract research and in improving animal health. We want to take steps, by partnering with key players.”
“GD shows how science and practice can work together and how our region remains a leader in veterinary expertise”
Innovation, collaboration and dedication to animal health
Finally, Liesbeth Grijsen, deputy of the province of Overijssel performed the formal opening ceremony. In her speech she said: “This is not just a building. It is a place where innovation, collaboration and dedication to animal health come together. For more than 100 years, GD has been a leader in veterinary science, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Today, we take another step forward with this new facility, which will play a key role in improving animal health and welfare. The city of Deventer and the province of Overijssel worked together with GD to strengthen research facilities for animal health. Today we see the result of that ambition: a modern research center where GD can continue working at the highest level on disease prevention, diagnostics and treatment. The work done here contributes to healthier animals, a more sustainable livestock sector and even public health. As the province of Overijssel, we believe it’s very important to keep investing in knowledge and innovation. GD shows how science and practice can work together and how our region remains a leader in veterinary expertise.”
Avian influenza H5 inactivated antigens and microplate test standard
In response to the ongoing global challenge posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), we are pleased to introduce our latest veterinary diagnostic products with the most up-to-date antigens for H5N1 and H5N8 strains. These antigens are inactivated and specifically designed for use in the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test to ensure accurate detection of antibodies in poultry. Our new poultry diagnostic products are:
• VLDIA353 - Inactivated H5N1 antigen
Influenza virus A/Fox/Netherlands/EMC-1/2022, HPAI H5N1, HA clade 2.3.4.4b
• VLDIA354 - Inactivated H5N8 antigen
Influenza virus A/Chicken/Netherlands/EMC-3/2014, HPAI H5N8, HA clade 2.3.4.4b
Get a free microplate test standard
The newly developed microplate test standard allows you to standardise the HI test and read the microplate at an angle of 45°C. This makes it easier to read the test, especially the so-called tear formation. Order the new H5N1 and H5N8 antigens now and receive a free microplate test standard.
These veterinary diagnostics are available now and can be ordered at www.gdanimalhealth.com/hpai
28 May: Webinar avian influenza, point of need, innovations and implications for field control
Avian influenza continues to pose a threat to global poultry production. Early detection and rapid containment are essential. Traditional testing strategies often rely on centralised laboratories, causing delays. In this webinar, Professor Sjaak de Wit will discuss how molecular diagnostics have evolved to support field-based decision-making. Topics will include the diagnostic challenges of managing HPAI and LPAI outbreaks and the use of molecular tests such as the Alveo Sense™ Poultry Avian Influenza Test.
Join the live session to have your questions answered by Prof. de Wit. https://royalgd.webinargeek.com/ avian-influenza-at-the-point-of-need-innovations-and-implications-for-field-control
Replay webinars
Avian Mycoplasmosis
Watch the replay of our latest expert session on Avian Mycoplasmosis presented by Dr Anneke Feberwee, European Specialist in Poultry Veterinary Science.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are the most important avian mycoplasma species for today’s poultry industry. In this webinar, Anneke Feberwee shared the latest developments in this field. She discussed the clinical-economic relevance, the role of diagnostic tests and current control strategies.
Bluetongue outbreak in the Netherlands
We have received many questions and requests from international partners to share our experience and knowledge on the BTV-3 outbreak in the Netherlands. In this webinar, bluetongue experts René van den Brom, Katrien van den Brink and Inge Santman-Berends discussed the current bluetongue situation in the Netherlands:
• The results of the impact of BTV-3 on cattle and small ruminants in 2024;
• The impact of vaccination;
• The detection of BTV-12 in October 2024;
• Ongoing studies.
Watch our webinars: https://gdanimalhealth.com/webinars-en
Upcoming events
Our contract research team will be attending several events this year. Join our team and find out more about our contract testing solutions and veterinary drug development, novel testing methods and GLP studies. Upcoming events:
• June 23-26: 24th European Symposium on poultry nutrition
• October 6-10: WVPA
• October 13-16: World Vaccine Congress (Europe)
• November 25-27: VIV MEA
More upcoming events: www.gdanimalhealth.com/events
GD specialist: Jan-Willem Meiburg
In the role of Director of Operations at Royal GD, Jan-Willem Meiburg oversees the diagnostic laboratories, animal facilities, PTS and diagnostics, and the quality department. These departments are the backbone of our international projects. The laboratories and animal facilities produce the data for our projects, and the quality department has an important role in quality assurance for the projects.
Within the operations department, we are constantly expanding our capabilities to let us serve our customers better. In March 2025, we opened our new animal facility. We already had facilities for poultry and cattle; this new facility means that we are better equipped for studies with pigs, piglets and calves, as well as making studies with sheep, goats and poultry possible. We are now capable of performing BSL2-level studies and are also working on expansion for studies with GMOs.
We are also expanding by adding a BSL3 laboratory for cultivating viruses that can then be used for poultry studies in our poultry isolators.
The diagnostic laboratories are being expanded this year with a new analytical chemistry lab. This completely new, state-of-the-art laboratory area includes several LC-MS analysers. We currently have methods in place for residue analyses for cattle and pigs, and in the coming years we will continue validating new methods and will also validate methods for poultry.
The quality department is working on continuous improvement of our capabilities and facilities, as well as performing quality assurance for our GLP and GCP studies. We have a range of quality systems at GD (ISO 9001, 17025, 17043, 27001 and GLP and VICH GCP) that need constant maintenance. Our broad internal audit programme lets the quality department support the organisation with continuous improvement and ensures that we comply with our quality standards.
The nice thing about my role as Operations Manager is bringing together the commercial departments, knowledge from our R&D department, the skills of our ICT department and the operational and hands-on knowledge of the operational departments. Together as a team, we are constantly improving our processes and facilities, and providing new capabilities for you, our customers.
