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The infectious disease diagnostic laboratory initiative is to understand and combat the threat of infectious diseases. The laboratory focuses on vector–borne diseases that affect humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. The goal of the Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is to merge the boundaries between the medical and environmental sciences, and in so doing, create opportunities at East Stroudsburg University for research and training in the epidemiology of agents affecting both human health and the natural environment.
Education
The laboratory also provides training for undergraduate and graduate students at East Stroudsburg University. The Student Internship Program at the Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory emphasizes the practical application of technologies, methodologies, and practices related to infectious diseases. The program also provides students with rich and diversified research opportunities in a variety of areas ranging from basic studies of epidemiology, diagnostics, forensics, genetics, and ecology of vector–borne diseases. Out–reach programs of the Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory provide educational materials for residents of Monroe County.
Diagnostics
The laboratory offers diagnostic service for identification of certain vectored pathogens that cause a number of infectious diseases. This service is available to the public. Ticks removed from either humans or animals such as dogs, cats, and livestock can be submitted for identification and for pathogen screening. The Tick Card provides additonal information.
Surveillance
The Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Pennsylvania Monroe County Vector Control are currently conducting a surveillance program, determining the prevalence of four pathogenic agents vectored by the deer tick, in Monroe County, PA.
 Surveillance of Ixodes scapularis
Research
The Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife through a cooperative, in an ongoing study are researching the prevalence of the parasitic agents Toxoplasma and Trichinella in the Eastern black bear.
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