news & communications
Royal GD contributes to increasing testing capacity for COVID-19 The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has announced that GD will also be testing human samples for the presence of the corona virus SARS-CoV-2. The test for the COVID-19 study has been validated in our own laboratory in Deventer. Knowledge and experience For the COVID-19 study, nose and / or throat swabs are collected from the patient. We examine these samples using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests. This method allows the genetic material of the virus to be detected. We have a large diagnostic laboratory with a PCR department, where tens of thousands of samples are tested annually. Our employees have extensive experience in PCR research into viral infections and infections with other pathogens. Ynte Schukken, CEO of Royal GD: “The corona crisis affects us all. It is an uncertain time in which our adaptability is being heavily relied upon. Solutions are needed to get through this crisis as best as possible. It is nice that GD can now contribute by making test capacity available for research into the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in patients.“ For the COVID-19 diagnostics, we expect to be able to perform up to 2000 tests per day. In our laboratory we are set up for large numbers.
Bulk milk investigation to improve claw health In Western countries lameness is a serious problem in dairy herds. Most problems result in decreased milk production, premature culling, affection of animal welfare and finally less job satisfaction by the dairy farmers. Diagnosis necessary to get insight in the underlying causes is based on visual interpretation by the claw trimmers, who in the best circumstances are making some recordings. Since 2018 structural support to monitor and improve claw health is made possible by Royal GD by bulkmilk investigation. Over 800 Dutch dairy farmers are already monitoring claw health on their farm in this way. MORE INFORMATION
Introducing Frank Huis in ‘t Veld Within GD we are constantly developing. From new tests to expanding our teams with new employees with extensive knowledge. Linking to that we would like to introduce you to Frank Huis in ‘t Veld, who has been working at our Support Team of Business Development and Contract Research & Consulting since December 2019. Before Frank joined GD he worked for several international orientated production and whole sale companies in the Netherlands. His main focus was on inside sales and customer services. “The combination of the great awareness of environmental issues, and the important role that animal health plays in this, together with the wide variety of international customers really appeal to me at the work at GD,” he says. According to him, customers can contact GD with all their questions. “We offer great services and see what is needed, also internationally. In addition, we are always there to inform our customers about the progress of your requests and orders. I am happy that I can now fulfill this role and be of service to you.”
WWW.GDANIMALHEALTH.COM/CLAW
Services remain available The COVID-19 outbreak also affects the Netherlands and measures are being taken to reduce spread of the virus. However, Royal GD is fully committed to continue all her services regarding laboratory diagnostics and (animal health) projects. In the GD laboratory, the testing of submitted samples continues as normal. The customer service and your account manager are still available and we do our very best to keep our services at the level you are used to. We shall of course keep you posted of any developments. Should you have any general questions, please contact support@gdanimalhealth.com.
Update, April 2020 - 11
