SIAD, Palode, was established to provide diagnostic support and coordinate disease diagnostic activities within the Animal Husbandry Department of Kerala. Since its inception, SIAD has been actively engaged in disease investigation, monitoring, and surveillance, particularly concerning zoonotic diseases, and has provided advisories for disease prevention and control. The institute adopts a multidisciplinary approach, with divisions in Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, and Toxicology, led by a team of specialists. It serves as the State Referral Laboratory for the Department of Animal Husbandry, Kerala, and is recognized as the Nodal Office of the Southern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of the Government of India. Additionally, SIAD collaborates with various organizations including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Health Services, and National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology & Disease Informatics (NIVEDI, Bangalore). SIAD offers training programs in laboratory diagnosis to veterinarians, medical professionals, para-veterinarians, as well as research project support for graduate and postgraduate studies students in veterinary, biological and allied sciences from several universities of the state.

Year of Establishment:

  • Date of starting: 11-07-1966
  • Shifted to present site at Palode on 15.6.1982 as per G.O. (Rt) No.1150/82/AD dated 23-4-82
  • Chief Disease Investigation Office (CDIO) was renamed as State Institute for Animal Diseases (SIAD) (G.O. No.54/2018/AHD dated 31/1/2018)

Mission of the Organization: The State Institute for Animal Diseases (SIAD), Palode, being the referral laboratory of the Department of Animal Husbandry, is dedicated to serving the farming community by providing rapid and precise diagnosis of diseases affecting livestock, poultry, and wild fauna of the state. This support directly and indirectly enhances the productivity of the sector, aids in the prevention of zoonoses, and contributes to species conservation.

Mandates of the Organization:

  1. Early detection of infectious and non-infectious diseases in animals and birds.
  2. Coordinating activities of Animal Husbandry Department laboratories.
  3. Providing technical support and advisories on disease outbreaks, surveillance, monitoring, and public health.
  4. Disease screening, surveillance, and monitoring.
  5. Referral support for disease diagnosis to veterinarians.
  6. Monitoring emerging diseases systematically.
  7. Intervening in the control and management of zoonotic diseases.
  8. Diagnosing infectious diseases of wild animals.
  9. Conducting research, both independently and collaboratively.
  10. Providing training and extension services.

Different Sections in SIAD:

  1. Pathology Division
  2. Microbiology Division
  3. Parasitology Division
  4. Toxicology Division
  5. Molecular Biology Division
  6. Special diagnostic Facilities including laboratories for FMD, Rabies, Oncology, Cell Culture, Residue Analysis, and Wildlife Sciences.

Service to the Public:

  1. Early detection of diseases through registered veterinary practitioners.
  2. Disease screening, surveillance, and monitoring through registered veterinary practitioners.
  3. Tracking emerging diseases.
  4. Intervening in the control and management of zoonotic diseases.
  5. Conducting need-based research and research thesis projects.

Working Time:

10.00 AM to 5.00 PM (excluding public holidays) with 24X7 sample collection facility.

Awards & Honours:

  1. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified diagnostic facilities in molecular biology, microbiology, and parasitology divisions.
  2. Recognized multiple times as Best ICAR unit (ADMAS and FMD) in the country.
  3. State Government Appreciation for detecting and containing High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
  4. Recognition for veterinarians’ presentations in various scientific congresses.

This summary showcases the comprehensive role of SIAD in animal health management, research, and public service.

Mandates of the Organization:

  1. Early detection of infectious and non-infectious diseases in animals and birds using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology.
  2. Coordination of activities among Animal Husbandry Department laboratories.
  3. Provision of technical support and advisories to the Animal Husbandry Department regarding disease outbreaks, surveillance, monitoring, and public health issues.
  4. Disease screening, surveillance, and monitoring.
  5. Referral support for disease diagnosis to practicing veterinarians.
  6. Systematic and methodical monitoring of emerging diseases.
  7. Intervention in the control and management of zoonotic diseases.
  8. Diagnosis of infectious diseases in wild animals.
  9. Conducting need-based research, both independently and in collaboration with other institutions.
  10. Providing training and extension services.

Administration/Organogram:

  • Chief Disease Investigation Officer: 1
  • Disease Investigation Officers: 3
  • Veterinary Surgeons: 5
  • Chemist: 1
  • Head Clerk: 1
  • Livestock Inspector: 1
  • Laboratory Technician: 7
  • Confidential Assistant: 1
  • Clerk: 3
  • D. Typist: 1
  • Driver: 1
  • Office Attendant: 1
  • Laboratory Attendants: 4
  • Sweeper cum Attendant: 1

Name of Laboratory Staff Pattern:

Division of Pathology:

  • Veterinary Surgeon: 1
  • Laboratory Technician: 1
  • Laboratory Attendant: 1

Division of Microbiology (ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified):

  • Veterinary Surgeon: 1
  • Laboratory Technician: 2
  • Laboratory Attendant: 1
  • Research Associate (Temporary): 1

Division of Molecular Biology (ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified):

  • Veterinary Surgeon: 1
  • Laboratory Technician: 1
  • Laboratory Attendant: 1
  • Research Associate (Temporary): 1

Division of Parasitology (ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified):

  • Veterinary Surgeon: 1
  • Laboratory Technician: 2
  • Laboratory Attendant: 1
  • Research Assistant (Contract basis): 1
  • Pharmacist (Contract basis): 1

Division of Toxicology:

  • Veterinary Surgeon: 1
  • Laboratory Technician: 1
  • Laboratory Attendant: 1

Facilities, Services & Activity Status:

Sl. No.

Name of Laboratory

Facilities Available

Tests Being Carried Out

1

Division of Pathology

– Diagnostic and Veterolegal Necropsy of both Domestic and Wild animals <br> – Haematology and Serum Biochemistry <br> – Histopathology <br> – Diagnostic Oncology

– Postmortem examination <br> – Haematology (Complete blood count) <br> – Serum Biochemistry (Liver Function Test, Kidney Function Test, Mineral Assay) <br> – Histopathology (H&E staining)

2

Division of Microbiology

– Immunodiagnostic laboratory <br> – Diagnosis of major Animal (Livestock, Poultry, Wildlife, Human, and Zoonotic pathogens (Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal)

– Isolation and Identification of Bacteria <br> – Antibiotic Sensitivity testing <br> – Microscopical examination of slides by staining methods <br> – Immunodiagnostic test <br> – ELISA (Antigen and Antibody detection of various viral diseases) <br> – VITEK automatic microbial identification (Biochemical test)

3

Division of Molecular Biology

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified

Research & Development <br> – Extension & Training

4

Division of Parasitology

– Immunodiagnostic laboratory <br> – Diagnosis of major Animal (Livestock, Poultry, Wildlife, Human, and Zoonotic parasites

– Microscopic examination for parasites <br> – Serological tests for parasite detection <br> – Molecular detection of parasites <br> – Drug susceptibility testing <br> – Immunodiagnostic tests <br> – Training and consultancy services

5

Division of Toxicology

– Toxicological analysis of animal samples <br> – Identification of toxic substances <br> – Consultancy services

– Toxicity testing <br> – Chemical analysis of biological samples <br> – Pharmacokinetic studies <br> – Toxicogenomics <br> – Risk assessment and management <br> – Consultancy services

6

Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory

– BSL2 facility <br> – Postmortem room dedicated for rabies Diagnosis <br> – Facility for Antibody titration <br> – Extension & Training <br> – Lateral Flow test <br> – Fluorescent Antibody test <br> – Truenat Microchip based PCR <br> – PlateliaTM Indirect ELISA for Antibody titration

– Rabies Diagnosis <br> – Rabies seromonitoring <br> – Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT)

7

Cell Culture Laboratory

– Rabies seromonitoring <br> – Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT)

– Cell culture techniques <br> – Isolation and propagation of viruses <br> – Serological tests

8

Residue Analytical Laboratory

– High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

– Quantification of antibiotic residues in milk of livestock <br> – Quantification of antibiotic residues in feed of livestock and poultry

These additional facilities and services provide a comprehensive overview of the specialized capabilities within the State Institute for Animal Diseases (SIAD), ensuring effective diagnosis, monitoring, and research in specific areas such as rabies diagnosis and antibiotic residue analysis.

Contact Address:

STATE INSTITUTE FOR ANIMAL DISEASES (SIAD)
Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Kerala
Pacha P.O, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, PIN: 695 562
Phone: 0472 2840252
Fax: 0472 2840743
Email: cdio.ahd@kerala.gov.in

Officer in Charge of Right to Information:

  1. State Public Information Officer: Dr. Kalpana. V, Disease Investigation Officer
  2. Assistant State Public Information Officer: Smt. Jayasree, Head Clerk
  3. Appellate Authority: Dr. Sheela Saly T. George, CDIO

Details with Regard to Right to Service:

  1. Samples forwarded by registered veterinary practitioners only are accepted for diagnosis. Results will be communicated back to the referring person.
  2. Diagnosis tests will be conducted impartially.
  3. Results generated will be kept confidential and will only be shared with the customer, referring veterinary practitioner, or concerned government authority. They may also be used for disease trend analysis, scientific advancement, and future research.

Approved Charges for Service:

Laboratory Test/Services

Pet Animals (Rs.)

Large Animals (Rs.)

Avian (Rs.)

Remarks

Postmortem Examination

100

50/flock

–

–

Hematology: CBC

200

100

–

–

Biochemistry/Parameter

50

50

–

–

Biopsy (Histopathology)

500

–

–

–

Faecal Sample Examination

50

–

–

–

Skin Scrapings Examination

50

–

–

–

Blood Smear Examination

100

50

–

–

Vaginal Cytology

100

50

–

–

Culture and Sensitivity

400

–

–

–

LFT (on demand cases)

200

50

–

–

PCR (on demand cases)

300

300

300

–

ELISA (on demand cases)

250

250

–

–

Hormone

200

–

–

–

Rabies Diagnosis

400

–

–

–

Rabies Antibody Titre Estimation (RFFIT/ELISA)

1500

–

–

–

Feed Testing/Parameter

200

–

–

–

Mycotoxin Analysis (Fluorimeter)

1500

–

–

–

Mycotoxin Analysis (TLC/ELISA)

200

–

–

–

Water Testing/Parameter

250

–

–

–

Student Project Work

3000

1000

–

3 months and above / Below 3 months

Exposure Visit/Orientation Training

1000/batch

–

1 day

–

Training in Different Advanced Laboratory Techniques

3000/candidate

–

–

3-5 days duration, non-AHD candidates