About

Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology, LLC was established in 2004 by Dr. Fred Hoerr to address a need for histopathology services for commercial poultry not met by academic and government laboratories. Dr. Dallas Clontz joined VDP in 2023, and a laboratory acquisition in North Carolina enabled expanded diagnostic investigations under her direction. Today, privately-owned VDP is a leader in pathology-focused, investigative services for domestic and international commercial poultry production and reseach.

Dr. Dallas Clontz, Principal Pathologist and Owner.

Dallas learned about chickens with her father, a breeder flock manager for a broiler company. She learned to pack eggs, walk the houses and carefully observe the chickens, and inspect equipment. As a student, she researched probiotics to inhibit Salmonella in poultry feed and the relationship of biofilm formation to virulence expression of Enterococcus infections in chickens. These formative experiences shaped her education and a career path in poultry diagnostic investigation and research.

• BS, Poultry Science, Summa Cum Laude, North Carolina State University

• BS, Animal Science, Summa Cum Laude, North Carolina State University

• DVM, Summa Cum Laude, North Carolina State University

• MS & Residency in Anatomic Veterinary Pathology, Texas A&M University

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists

Dr. Dallas Clontz

Dr. Fred Hoerr

Dr. Fred Hoerr. Consulting Pathologist and Founder.

Fred learned about chickens on his uncle’s farm in Indiana and admired a local veterinarian who started a private diagnostic lab for poultry and swine. These early-life experiences were the foundation for a veterinary career in poultry diagnostic investigation and research. After three decades in government and university labs, he shifted to private pathology practice to support commercial poultry production. Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology, LLC has been serving domestic and international clients since 2004.

• DVM, MS, and PhD, Purdue University

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists

• Diplomate, American College of Poultry Veterinarians