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Newsletters

Our client newsletter includes information about emerging animal health issues, new tests and services, continuing professional development opportunities and tips for getting the most out of your local laboratory. To view and download back issues of our newsletter select from the volumes below: Subscribe to our mailing list here.

The histiocytoma that read the textbook!

Sandy Weltan The description of a histiocytoma in a well known pathology textbook is as follows: “Cutaneous histiocytoma is a benign skin tumour that originates from the epidermal Langerhans cell and is predominantly a solitary tumour of young dogs that undergoes spontaneous regression. Histiocytoma cells may migrate to regional lymph nodes; lymphadenopathy will regress along […]

Autumn is here, and it’s time to check trace elements!

For production animal veterinarians, autumn is the time to remind farmers about the importance of trace element testing leading up to winter. Tissue and serum sampling in the autumn or at drying off, provides an opportunity to ensure trace elements and magnesium concentrations are appropriate heading into winter, and to assess any effects of sporidesmin […]

2026 Pricing update: effective 16 March

To continue investing in diagnostic capability, clinical expertise and service reliability for veterinary practices across the motu, we periodically review our pricing.  As part of this review, updated pricing will take effect from 16 March 2026. This change reflects our ongoing investment in services and capabilities that support your practice, alongside rising costs across the […]

Antech point-of-care diagnostics – exclusive distributor

Awanui Veterinary is proud to announce a new partnership with Antech, becoming the exclusive distributor of Antech’s point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing solutions in New Zealand.  This collaboration brings together two organisations united by a shared commitment to diagnostic excellence and animal-first healthcare. By combining  Antech’s globally established diagnostic technology with Awanui Veterinary’s nationwide reach, deep local knowledge, and New Zealand-based pathology support, giving […]

Waitangi day

All of our laboratories will be closed on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February, for the Waitangi day public holiday / weekend. > Please avoid sending samples via overnight courier on Thursday 5 February as they won’t be delivered until Monday and will likely be unsuitable for testing on receipt. Normal business hours resume on […]

Lower EPG testing now available!

Parasite testing in cattle has been limited by one key constraint: lower eggs per gram (EPG) requirements. As a result, cattle parasite burdens have often been under-detected, under-monitored and/or managed using blanket drenching, rather than evidence-based decisions.  That approach is becoming increasingly risky.  Why lower EPG testing now matters in NZ cattle Anthelmintic resistance is no longer just […]

Anniversary days – we’ll be closed

Our Palmerston North laboratory will be closed on Monday 19 January for the Wellington regional anniversary day public holiday. NOTE: Since a significant proportion of our pathologists work in Palmerston North, some Histology results may be delayed for the whole country. Our Auckland laboratory and Hamilton logistics centre will be closed on Monday 26 January […]

Sampling tips for large animal vets

ROB FAIRLEY Here are some tips from our pathologists that may be useful during sample collection or out in the field. 1. For PCR, dry swabs are preferred over transport media swabs. We have had success with transport media swabs but the material you collect on the swab is diluted by the media and there is […]

Lab tip – keep cool when it’s hot!

It’s warm weather season, so please remember to keep samples cool after collection. Traditionally as summer heats up, we notice a deterioration in the quality of some samples received at our laboratories.  Some even arrive in an unsuitable condition for testing. We recommend you include an ice-pack of some description with your samples if you […]