WVDL Offers PCR and Virus Isolation Testing for EHM

WVDL Offers Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) PCR and Virus Isolation Testing

Several horses have tested positive recently in Va., Tex. and Minn. for EHV-1

 

This past week three horses with clinical neurologic disease have tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a manifestation of EHV-1 infection, in Virginia, Texas, and Minnesota.  These are all considered separate events and are not linked at this time.

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Photo courtesy of tmdequineuniversity.com

The WVDL has expertise and offers rapid EHM testing in the form of real time PCR. PCR is the most rapid method and in the face of an outbreak, nasal or nasophyarengeal swabs are preferred.  Whole blood EDTA should also be submitted and is tested with swabs for no additional charge.  Optimally, swabs should be shipped in refrigerated viral transport media. In an emergency situation, a swab can be submitted in a few drops of sterile saline.  Post mortem samples are listed on our website.  Viral transport media can be ordered here: https://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PHARYNGEALSWABORDER.pdf

Shipping samples with the WVDL Shipping program is $7 overnight UPS ground from anywhere in Wisconsin and many surrounding counties in MN, IA, MI, and IL.  See the shipping website for details.  Free scheduled pick up at your veterinary office facilitates testing for your clients.

https://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/index.php/new-wvdl-shipping-program/

See these links for further information on EHM that can be used for your client education:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/

https://fyi.uwex.edu/horse/2014/04/11/equine-herpesvirus-1-ehv-1-in-mn-and-wi/

 

Please contact the WVDL with questions about how we can facilitate rapid and cost-effective testing for your clients.

 

Reliable Results and Exceptional Customer Service

wvdl.wisc.edu

608-262-5432

 

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