The ideal samples are those that are collected within 8-12 hours of fetal expulsion although
samples collected 1-2 days after abortion may still yield useful information. Submit either the
entire fetus and placenta or both fresh and formalin fixed tissues as outlined.
File: CL-Res-30-Necropsy-Ruminant-Abortion-Sampling-Guidelines.pdf
death, however, any sample is better than none and the lab does not charge based on the number of
samples submitted. Both fresh and formalin fixed tissues from any gross lesions and the following tissues
are recommended for submission
File: CL-Res-29-Necropsy-Enteric-Disease-Sampling-Guidelines.pdf
The ideal samples for investigation of enteric diseases are those that are collected within 4-8 hours of
death, however, any sample is better than none and the lab does not charge based on the number of
samples submitted. Both fresh and formalin fixed tissues from any gross lesions and the following tissues
are recommended for submission
File: CL-Res-28-Necropsy-Neonatal-Calves-Sampling-Guidelines.pdf
Sampling Instructions
• Producers should wear disposable gloves to prevent contamination of the sample with bacteria.
• Producers should plan on collecting samples for a minimum of 7 consecutive days. A sample should be collected from every calf feeding during the week.
• Samples must be thoroughly mixed (agitated) prior to collection.
• Milk Replacer samples should be prepared and received in liquid form. The lab will not reconstitute Milk Replacer samples.
• Samples should be collected in a leak proof vial. Vials (2 oz translucent lock top) can be purchased from Nelson Jameson (1-800-826-8302). The catalog number is 170-3206.
• Fill the leak proof vial ½ full with milk or milk replacer.
• Label the vial. Each vial should have the date and time (am, pm) of collection clearly written on it.
• Samples should be placed in a household freezer immediately after collection. Samples can remain in the freezer for up to 14 days before submission to the laboratory.
Shipping Instructions
• Veterinarians should completely fill out the WVDL Milk Submission Form (Total Solids request is included below the Liquid Feed request). An electronic copy of the Milk Submission form is available at the WVDL website: here.
• Request the Total Solids test.
• Package the samples with a sufficient number of ice packs to ensure they remain frozen
during shipment. Warm samples will be rejected.
• Send the samples by the most expeditious means. The laboratory should receive the samples within 24-36 hours. Samples submitted for both solids and bacterial quantification should be sent directly to the WVDL Barron Lab.
• Clients should schedule shipments to avoid weekend and holiday delivery of samples to the laboratory.
File: CL-Res-25-Total-Solids-Testing-Waste-Milk-and-Calf-Milk-Replacer-Sampling-and-Transport-Instructions-1.pdf
Material, equipment, and collections processes for BVD PCR samples - ear notch and nasal swab
File: CL-Res-20-BVD-PCR-Sample-Collection-Guidelines.pdf
In a real time PCR assay a positive reaction is detected by accumulation of a fluorescent signal. The CT (cycle
threshold) is defined as the number of cycles required for the fluorescent signal to exceed background levels and
cross a pre-set threshold. CT levels are inversely proportional to the amount of target nucleic acid detected in the
sample (i.e., the lower the CT level the greater the amount of target nucleic acid in the sample).
WVDL real time assays undergo 40 cycles of amplification.
File: CL-Res-18-Real-Time-PCR-Ct-Values-1.pdf
Culturing bulk tank milk (BTM) to monitor milk quality has limitations based on the amount and frequency of sampling and the amount and types of microorganisms isolated. Samples taken over days or weeks are most helpful to understanding a problem. BTM culturing can provide information about the presence or absence of a bacterial group and the identity of predominate bacterial group(s). BTM results are most useful when examined along with other records such as somatic cell counts (SCC), clinical mastitis incidences, environmental conditions and other information. BTM cultures are not a substitute for quarter milk samples. Additionally, milk samples must be collected aseptically and immediately stored on ice in order to provide valid information upon culture.
File: CL-Res-15-Bulk-Tank-guidelines.pdf
Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortions in cattle. First recognized in 1988, and linked to dogs in
1998, this parasite causes an infection called neosporosis. Studies have shown that at least half the dairy
and beef herds in the United States have one or more animals that have been exposed. In an infected
herd, up to 30 percent of the animals may test positive, and some cows may abort several times. With
good herd management, though, you can reduce this drain on your profits.
File: CL-Res-14-Recognizing-and-Preventing-Neosporosis-Infections.pdf
Valuable diagnostic information can be gained from a quantitative interpretation of the Johne's ELISA. In general, the ELISA value is a measure of the concentration of serum antibodies to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Generally, serum antibody levels increase as the infection progresses. Animals with higher ELISA values are more likely to be shedding the bacterium in milk and colostrum and be heavy fecal shedders than lower scored animals. High ELISA scored animals are also at increased risk of developing clinical Johne's disease.
Currently, there are three, USDA-certified kits available in the U.S. for the diagnostic detection of MAP-specific antibodies. The VMRD Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Zoetis Paratuberculosis SERELISA kit and the IDEXX Laboratories, Inc MAP Antibody ELISA. The WVDL is currently providing and is proficiency tested using the VMRD kits for the detection of MAP specific antibodies. WVDL does not currently use the Zoetis Paratuberculosis SERELISA kit or the IDEXX Laboratories, Inc MAP Antibody ELISA kits. It is important to remember that each kit manufacturer develops proprietary reagents such as antigen and conjugates (antibodies) that may not be the same. It is possible that one serum/plasma sample could test positive with one kit, but be negative with the other. This is because the antibody in the serum/plasma may only bind the one antigen or antigenic site from one kit manufacturer, but not the other kit manufacturer’s antigen. The only way to confirm if the animal is infected with MAP is to send a fecal sample for direct PCR or liquid culture.
File: CL-Res-13-WVDL-Johnes-Disease-Interpretation-Chart.pdf
Outbreaks of infectious disease have shown that it pays to be conscientious about preventing and controlling infectious
disease on livestock operations. This concept is known as biosecurity. Biosecurity refers to management practices that
reduce the chances infectious diseases will be carried onto the farm by animals or people. Biosecurity also reduces the
spread of infectious disease on farms.
File: CL-Res-12-WVDL-Biosecurity-for-Dairy-Farms-1.pdf