Udder Health Systems Laboratory Services

Udder Health Systems has been providing milk quality services to the dairy industry since 1978. The laboratory work involves pathogen screening and quality analysis on bulk tank milk, individual cow milk samples and environmental samples from dairy farms to support on-farm udder health programs.

Dr. Allan Britten is the Laboratory Director and President of Udder Health Systems. Dr. Britten graduated from Washington State University in 1972 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. In 1975 he attended the University of California at Davis and obtained a post graduate degree: Masters in Preventative Veterinary Medicine. He started his laboratory service as part of a specialized epidemiological service working with commercial dairy farmers on mastitis control. The laboratory has been involved in a wide variety of environmental health investigations necessitating samples from water, soil and bedding to help solve microbiological problems on dairies. Dr. Britten has devoted his practice exclusively to helping address the challenges facing dairymen who strive to produce high quality milk. He consults with dairymen, veterinarians, processors, and manufacturers on topics of disease control, on-farm personnel training, safe milking machine design and function, effective sanitation programs, rational therapy programs, milk quality trouble shooting, teat condition concerns, dairy environmental health, and milk quality laboratory technology.

Udder Health Systems has laboratories in Bellingham, Washington, Kuna and Jerome, Idaho. These are staffed by teams of life scientists including veterinarians, microbiologists and animal scientists who are totally focused on providing a unique state of the art milk quality service. Over night courier services and internet communications allow us to serve clients in all parts of the United States. If you have a question on Udder Health, please give us a call. We love to talk to people and udder health is what we are all about.

Bellingham, Washington

Jonathan Cerar is the Laboratory Manager in Bellingham, Washington. Jon joined the company in April of 2005. Jon received his Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Ecology, from Central Washington University in 2001. He worked for three years at Pascal, a dental equipment and supplies manufacturer in Bellevue where he was both a Bench Analyst and Production Technician in their Quality Control Department.

Nancy Hanson, Head of Field Operations has worked at Udder Health in a variety of administrative and technical roles since 1984. In addition to providing office and technical support for the laboratory, she spends much of her time outside the lab managing the field investigations for our clients. Nancy received her Bachelor of Science degree at Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa in 1975.

Alicia Borm joined the Bellingham staff in September of 2005. She received her Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Animal Science from Washington State University in 2004. Al is involved in various operations at Udder Health. She is a bench analyst, is involved in field investigations as a Quality Milk Specialist and customer service manager for media sales.

Jan Wesen is the most versatile of Udder Health’s employees, splitting her time between data processing, and field investigations as well as at the bench. Jan completed her Bachelor of Science degree at California Polytechnic State University at San Louis Obispo, Ca. in 1981. She has worked in our laboratory since 1989.

Rebecca Noel joined the Bellingham staff in February 2006. She is Production Manager of our new automated microbiological media operations center. Becca also works as a bench analyst and assists with administrative duties. Becca is enrolled at Whatcom Community College in the Nursing Department.

Justin Hammett is our Media Technician. He joined Udder Health in June of 2007 and is involved with media production, product shipping and general laboratory tasks. Justin is a student at Western Washington University pursuing a degree in Physics and Mathematics.

Kuna, Idaho

Justine Britten is the Quality Milk Specialist and Field Operations Manager in Idaho. She graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Animal Science in May of 2004. Justine has worked as a bench analyst in Kuna as well as a variety of lab and field activities in both Washington and Idaho since 1998. Justine provides technical support for laboratory services and on-farm support to our Idaho customers.

Nancy Lidinsky is a bench analyst in our Kuna facility. Nancy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Oregon. She has 15 years combined microbiology experience in food, medical devices and pharmaceutical industries.

Jill Stevenson joined our Kuna staff as a laboratory analyst in August 2006. Jill has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Michigan State University and she completed her Masters Degree in Animal Science from University of Idaho in 2006. Jill has several years of experience working in research, both in lab work and in animal care. She will also be assisting in our field operations as a Quality Milk Specialist.

Paris Humphries joined our Kuna laboratory in 2007. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Albertson College of Idaho. She brings microbiology experience both from school and from working as a laboratory technician at Sorrento Lactalis. We are happy to have her as part of our team.

Jerome, Idaho

Jan Morrison is the Office Manager for Udder Health Idaho. Jan received a B.A. degree in General Agriculture from the University of Idaho in 1998. She was previously employed by Rocky Mountain Resources Lab and has experience working in the lab, in the office, and on the dairy. Jan always tries to use this knowledge base to facilitate an efficient and informed environment in the Jerome Laboratory.

Dana Andre` is Certification Supervisor and is State Certified in bacterial and antibiotic testing of raw milk. She has a wide-range of laboratory experience, which includes both chemical and microbiological testing on raw and processed food products. Her skills are crucial to the smooth operation of the diverse-testing environment of the Jerome Lab.

Please call us and let us help you with any of your testing needs.