The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has appointed Kiril Dimitrov, DVM, Ph.D., as the new director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), effective January 1, 2026. This decision follows the retirement of Amy Swinford, DVM, who previously held the position. Dimitrov’s extensive experience and leadership within the agency since 2019 position him well to lead TVMDL into its next phase.
Dimitrov began his tenure at TVMDL as the head of the virology and molecular diagnostics section at the Amarillo lab. He subsequently transferred to the Bryan-College Station facility, where he directed the virology section. His trajectory within the agency continued upward, leading to his promotion to assistant agency director for microbiology and research in 2021 and then to associate agency director in 2025.
Impact on Animal and Human Health
Under Dimitrov’s guidance, TVMDL has played a pivotal role in addressing significant health challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TVMDL collaborated with human healthcare providers to expand testing capacity, a historic move for the agency that showcased its adaptability. Dimitrov was instrumental in implementing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing protocols at the Amarillo lab, significantly enhancing the testing capabilities in Texas. This partnership not only increased testing availability but also positively impacted the health of thousands of Texans and their families.
Dimitrov’s contributions extend beyond the pandemic. In 2024, as dairy farms in the Texas Panhandle reported unusual illnesses in cattle, he was pivotal in coordinating the response among diagnostic labs. His expertise helped identify highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause of the sickness, further solidifying his reputation in the field.
A Distinguished Career in Veterinary Medicine
Dimitrov’s professional journey began with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Trakia University in Bulgaria in 2005. He furthered his education with a doctorate from the National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medicine Institute, focusing on Newcastle disease. Prior to joining TVMDL, he held a position at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center, where he developed rapid diagnostic methods for avian viruses.
At TVMDL, Dimitrov is heavily involved in research initiatives aimed at preventing disease outbreaks in the cattle and poultry industries. He co-leads a $1 million project in collaboration with Diego Diel, DVM, Ph.D., from Cornell University, focused on risk mitigation for cattle diseases. This project is part of a broader effort funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture in conjunction with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
Dimitrov’s leadership is expected to enhance TVMDL’s mission of safeguarding animal health in Texas and beyond. In a statement, Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, expressed confidence in Dimitrov’s capabilities, stating, “Dr. Dimitrov’s appointment as director marks an exciting new chapter for TVMDL. His leadership and scientific expertise have been vital to our mission, especially during critical moments for Texas animal health.”
For more information on the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, interested parties can visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or contact the agency’s laboratories in Bryan-College Station or Canyon.
