SMT LABS

Say hello to Avian Influenza (AI) – a highly contagious virus that poses serious risks to poultry and, in some cases, humans too. 🐔⚠️ 🔬 What is AI? Avian Influenza is caused by the Influenza A virus, with subtypes classified by Haemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N) proteins. The mutated H5 & H7 strains are the most dangerous, leading to severe outbreaks in poultry populations. 🌍 How Does It Spread? Direct contact with infected birds Contaminated surfaces, water, and airborne particles Improper handling of poultry products 🤒 Symptoms in Birds & Humans In Birds: Respiratory issues Loss of appetite and drop in egg production High mortality rates (especially H5/H7) In Humans: Fever, cough, and sore throat Severe respiratory distress In rare cases, organ failure 🛡️Prevention & Testing Keep flocks separate and maintain strict biosecurity Cook poultry thoroughly before consumption Regularly clean surfaces, hands, and equipment PCR & ELISA testing detect AI early to protect public and poultry health To learn more about our testing services and procedures, contact marketing@smtlabs.co.za #MeetTheMicroorganism #AvianInfluenza #PoultryHealth #FoodSafety #SMTLabs #SMTVet

🔬 What’s the most fascinating microbial relationship you’ve learned about? Comment below and let’s talk about the tiny world shaping our own! Read my take on it below. #MicrobialConnections #ScienceBehindLife

Is your office really clean? The results are in! 🦠 Think your workspace is spotless? Think again! Our latest round of office surface swabs revealed some unexpected microbial guests lurking where you work. 🚨 🔬 How we tested: Using standardised swabbing techniques, we collected samples from random office surfaces before cleaning. These were analysed in our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited microbiology lab using MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation-Time of Flight) technology to accurately identify bacterial and fungal species. 🦠 Random JHB Office presented: Bacillus cereus, Pantoea eucrina 🦠 Random BFN Office presented: Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus & more! 🦠 Random CTN Office presented: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus salivarius & others 🦠 Random PTA Office presented: Staphylococcus saprophyticus These bacteria may seem harmless, but for those with weakened immune systems, they could pose a health risk. 😷 What can you do? Regular cleaning & proper hygiene measures are crucial to keeping office spaces safe. Want to know more about our testing services and how to reduce health risks? Let’s talk! 🔬 #SMTLabs #SMTInspectorLab #WorkplaceWellness

Meet the final one of our 4 Inspector Agents for 2025! 🕵️♀️ Watch as Inspector Agent *Fifi* introduces herself and invites you to follow along as we test everyday items and spaces! From testing microbes in the workplace to uncovering the hidden germs in our everyday environments, we’re here to provide insights and raise awareness about hygiene and public health. 👉 Follow us for monthly updates, exclusive interviews, and groundbreaking results that will keep you informed and engaged! #InspectorLab #MeetTheTeam #MicrobialResearch #SMTLabs #SMTVet #PublicHealth #FollowUs Ephenia Phale

Meet the 3d of our 4 Inspector Agents for 2025! 🚀 Watch as Inspector Agent *Maneo* introduces herself and tells you why you should stay tuned this year! From testing microbes in the workplace to uncovering the hidden germs in our everyday environments, we’re here to provide insights and raise awareness about hygiene and public health. 👉 Follow us for monthly updates, exclusive interviews, and groundbreaking results that will keep you informed and engaged! #InspectorLab #MeetTheTeam #MicrobialResearch #SMTLabs #SMTVet #PublicHealth #FollowUs Maneo Moshabesha

Meet the 2nd of our 4 Inspector Agents for 2025! 🦠 Watch as Inspector Agent *Nandipha* introduces herself and speaks about our exciting Inspector Lab Series content! From testing microbes in the workplace to uncovering the hidden germs in our everyday environments, we’re here to provide insights and raise awareness about hygiene and public health. 👉 Follow us for monthly updates, exclusive interviews, and groundbreaking results that will keep you informed and engaged! #InspectorLab #MeetTheTeam #MicrobialResearch #SMTLabs #SMTVet #PublicHealth #FollowUs Nandipha Mnono

Meet the 1st of our 4 Inspector Agents for 2025! 🔬 Watch as Inspector Agent *Phiwokuhle* introduces herself and kicks off the brand new Inspector Lab Series for this year! From testing microbes in the workplace to uncovering the hidden germs in our everyday environments, we’re here to provide insights and raise awareness about hygiene and public health. 👉 Follow us for monthly updates, exclusive interviews, and groundbreaking results that will keep you informed and engaged! #InspectorLab #MeetTheTeam #MicrobialResearch #SMTLabs #SMTVet #PublicHealth #FollowUs Phiwokuhle Fakude

🎥 First Inspector Lab Interview of 2025: Microbes in the Workplace – Are Your Office Surfaces Safe? 🏢🦠 This month, we're diving deep into workplace hygiene with Inspector Agent Phiwe as she interviews a staff member from a local business in Pretoria. Together, they discuss the importance of cleanliness in office spaces and the risks posed by microbes lurking on high-touch surfaces like desks, phones, and keyboards. Our Inspector Lab series is all about raising awareness about the microbial world around us. Each month, we perform rigorous tests on everyday environments, from offices to public spaces, to uncover the hidden germs and bacteria that can affect our health. Join us every month as we continue to explore the cleanliness of our surroundings and share our findings. With cutting-edge testing, including advanced MALDI-TOF technology, we provide reliable, actionable results to improve public health. 🔬 Don’t miss out! Stay tuned for the results of our tests and discover what’s lurking in your workplace. #InspectorLab #MicrobialResearch #WorkplaceSafety #HygieneMatters #SMTLabs #PublicHealth Phiwokuhle Fakude

💖 Love is in the (microbial) air! 💖 At SMT Labs, even our microbes are feeling the Valentine’s spirit! 🦠💘 Watch as they grow into heart shapes and spell out LOVE—because we love science as much as we love ensuring the world around us stays safe and clean. Here’s to a Valentine’s Day filled with love, discovery, and a little microbiology magic! 🔬✨ #WeLoveScience #ValentinesDay #MicrobialLove #SMTLabs

Today, we celebrate the incredible women and girls pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and driving innovation in the world of science. At SMT Labs, we’re proud to have amazing women leading the charge in microbiology, research, and beyond. Here’s to the fearless changemakers shaping the future and inspiring the next generation of scientists! 🚀🔬 #WomenInScience #Empowerment #SMTLabs #Innovation #BreakingBarriers