Disease testing for livestock – on us

Disease testing for livestock – on us 

our Mission

Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, The Three Trails Livestock Institute (3T) focuses on the diseases that matter the most to our herds, our people, and our environment. Through expanding access to livestock disease surveillance, we improve herd health and strengthen local food systems.

our Team

Dr. Hannah Varnell founded Three Trails Livestock Institute (3T) in 2026 to bridge the gap between animal health costs and food system security. A graduate of NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on global health and food animal epidemiology, Dr. Varnell is board-certified in Veterinary Preventive Medicine. The mission of Three Trails is rooted in her multifaceted experience in global and local animal agriculture production: to protect the agricultural community by identifying emerging risks in real time. By providing practical, data-driven diagnostic insights—offered at no cost to producers—3T supports the long-term profitability of ranchers and the safety of the broader food supply.

  • Johanna Klomann, CPA; Director and Treasurer
  • Whitney Slightham, Director

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to serving agricultural interests. All donations are tax-deductible and wholly support the health of the animal agriculture industry.

Three Trails Livestock Institute provides complimentary diagnostics and data to evaluate risks to your herd, helping producers overcome barriers to routine disease surveillance. Even without direct participation through sample submissions, producers can benefit from the anonymized surveillance data reported in their regions.

Reported results are always anonymized, and personal data is always confidential. We promise to be a trusted partner in animal production. Together, we can take care of our stock while informing our communities, strengthening the resilience of the entire industry.

We are funded through donations by key stakeholders in the livestock industry, and by animal donations to our home ranch in northern Arizona. You can contribute to the cause by donating cash, diagnostic test kits, time, expertise, or if you’re local, donating livestock to the home ranch.

For Livestock Producers: Submit the contact form and include your state and animal information. We will work through your veterinarian, or a partner veterinarian licensed in your state to provide diagnostic submission options.

For Veterinarians: submit the contact form that includes the medical history, desired testing, and preferred AAVDL-accredited lab.

We are currently establishing our prioritized disease surveillance lists per livestock species. Diseases of consequence to One Health are the main focus of Three Trails Livestock Institute. This includes diseases that impact human health, herd health, and environmental health. All test submissions will be considered during our early growth.

Individual identifying information is never made public. All publicly available results are anonymized and featured at the state level.

Note: Three Trails Livestock Institute operates in full compliance with state and federal veterinary reporting mandates for all high-consequence and foreign animal diseases. Your personal information remains confidential, even if your animal tests positive for a nationally reportable disease.

Three Trails Livestock Institute has limited capacity on the home ranch. Please inquire via the animal donation form if you have one of the following species to donate of any age: cattle, pig, goat, sheep, poultry. Donated animals are under direct veterinary care and enter the local food production system.

Veterinary services are available through our veterinary partners and their practices. Three Trails Livestock Institute supports the relationship with the local veterinarian. If you do not yet have a veterinarian of record, we are happy to connect you with our extensive network. Reach out via the producer contact form to learn your veterinary options.

Our Process

1. Identify At-Risk Livestock

Through ongoing engagement with local producers and partners, 3T identifies sentinel animals that may indicate emerging health concerns within a herd or region and offers no-cost diagnostic testing for select One Health concerns.

2. Veterinary Consultation

Licensed veterinarians interpret diagnostic results and provide consultation. Treatment and health protocol guidance continue with your local veterinarian under your veterinary-client-patient-relationship.

3. Share Actionable Insights

3T reports anonymized data to both the ranching community and the scientific community, advancing practical management decisions and contributing to broader livestock health information systems.