Clinical Pathology Update
CBC and chemistry evaluation are the most commonly performed diagnostic tests and proper sample handling is critical to accurate results. A common problem is sample aging, which causes cell lysis, release of cellular contents, and consumption of some analytes. Hemolysis also interferes directly with instrumentation and produces unreliable values. Samples that are greater than 48 hours old are not suitable for laboratory analysis. Degeneration of crystals and bacterial overgrowth can also occur quickly in urine and immediate in-clinic evaluation may be different than laboratory findings.
Owing to our commitment to excellent quality and in accordance with accreditation guidelines, as of January 2017 blood samples in EDTA or heparin that are older than 48 hours will not be accepted for evaluation. Similarly, serum that is not separated from the clot will be also be disallowed. Serum separated from the clot tube is the required sample for endocrinology assays including cortisol measurements, ACTH, thyroid hormones, etc... Samples collected using SST tubes are not acceptable as the gel interferes with accurate results. Please collect serum in red top tubes without additives and submit the centrifuged serum removed from the clot. In order to receive appropriate reference intervals, please mark plasma samples. This new policy will give you the most accurate results possible that help you provide the best patient care.
Miniature Schnauzer Renal Disease Study
An award from the Gray Lady Foundation is being used by the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to conduct urine testing free of charge in Miniature Schnauzers in order to identify proteinuric animals that could have Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and would potentially benefit from early treatment to slow its progression. For more information contact
Dr. Cathy Brown (cathybro@uga.edu or 706-542-5568)
A urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) will be determined on each urine sample. If the UPC is elevated, a sediment analysis will also be performed to rule-out a urinary tract infection, inflammation, or hemorrhage as a cause of the proteinuria.
1. Please include this submission form
2. Urine can be collected via cystocentesis, catheterization, or voided free catch
3. Submit in a 10 ml clot (red top – no SST) tube, plastic cups with screw-on lids or plastic conical tubes
4. A minimum volume of 3 ml is preferred; smaller volumes may suffice if a urinalysis is not required
5. Refrigerate samples. Ship with a cold pack via our courier , overnight UPS with a discounted shipping label or Fed Ex to Dr. Cathy Brown at the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (501 D.W. Brooks, University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602)
KEY POINTS
Introduction:
Between December 2014 and June 2015, an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) occurred in the Pacific Northwest and the Mid-western states, infecting a total of 211 commercial and 21 backyard poultry premises and resulting in the destruction of 49.6 million birds. To date, efforts to eradicate the outbreak have cost federal taxpayers over $950 million. Although no new cases have occurred since mid-June 2015, experts believe the disease could recur in the fall or winter of 2015 as waterfowl – the natural reservoir of the HPAI virus – migrate south. The state of Georgia could be affected if waterfowl in the Atlantic flyway become contaminated.
Role of the Laboratory:
The key to rapidly stamping out the virus and limiting its economic impact is quick detection. In coordination with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN), the UGA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Athens and Tifton have developed an emergency testing plan. Based on experiences from other states, the resources of the two UGA laboratories will be needed to supplement those of the GPLN Lab in Gainesville in the event of an HPAI outbreak.
Role of poultry owners and veterinarian:
It is important that the first case(s) of HPAI be detected as soon as it occurs in our state. The index case is more likely to occur in backyard flocks than in commercial flocks. Poultry owners and veterinarians who see backyard flocks need to be alert for possible signs of the disease, which are variable and include: reduced activity, lack of coordination, respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing), swelling and purple discoloration of the combs or wattles, hemorrhages on the unfeathered parts of legs and feet, and diarrhea, and rapid death. We recommend that birds that die after showing any combination of the above clinical signs should be tested for avian influenza.
What to submit for testing:
The GPLN has distributed sampling kits to commercial poultry owners, with instructions on how to collect and submit samples from sick and dead birds for HPAI testing. If you are a backyard flock owner and your chickens show any signs suggestive of avian influenza, call the GPLN Avian Influenza Hotline (770-766-6850) for help in collecting and submitting samples for testing. If you are a veterinarian seeing a bird or flock that exhibits signs consistent with avian influenza, either submit freshly dead birds (if any) or a tracheal/oropharyngeal swab in 3 ml of BHI broth (sampling kits are available from the GPLN). Note that dry swabs or swabs placed in other types of media are not acceptable. When in doubt, call the Avian Influenza Hotline (770-766-6850) for help. While the UGA Athens and Tifton laboratories conduct avian influenza testing, the GPLN hotline is your best source of information on proper collection and submission of samples for HPAI testing.
Other resouces:
Video on how to sample dead birds for HPAI testing
Athens and Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories are now accepting BVD-PI ELISA testing directly from producers.
Everything you need to collect, package, and ship your BVD samples. Call us for your FREE kit today!
Your first testing kit will include:
• 1 ear notcher
• 50 sample tubes and submission bags
• Submission forms
• Permanent markers
• Reduced price UPS labels
For BVD persistently infected animals:
• Collect ear notch samples into individually labeled capped tubes.
• Complete enclosed submission form.
• Ship with ice packs to the lab using one of our provided, discounted UPS labels.
- Learn more about BVD and the risk to your herd at: Bovine Viral Diarrhea
UPDATE: As of July 14, 2015, the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has tested 293 dogs for Canine influenza virus (CIV), resulting in 88 confirmed positives (30%) and 5 suspect. The first positive cases originated in Metro-Atlanta, but recently positive cases have also been detected in a few other counties outside that area. So far all 2015 positive cases in Georgia that have undergone additional testing have been identified as the new H3N2 strain.
On Friday, May 15th the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory identified its first positive case of Canine influenza in Georgia. There is evidence to suggest that the H3N8 strain of canine influenza virus first entered Georgia's dog population around 2005. The recent patient presented with coughing, fever, lethargy, anorexia and was up to date on DHLPP, Rabies and Bordetella vaccinations. It was reported that the affected canine had recently been in contact with other dogs at a Metro-Atlanta boarding facility. The influenza A virus we detected will be further typed to determine whether it is the well-established canine influenza strain (H3N8) or the new H3N2 strain that has recently been reported. The typing results will be available by Wednesday May 20th.
It is important to note that signs of Canine influenza virus infection are similar to those caused by more well-known pathogens of kennel cough and include cough, runny nose, fever, and lethargy. Because many viral and bacterial agents can cause canine respiratory disease, we recommend that dogs exhibiting upper respiratory illness should be tested for multiple agents in order to identify the exact cause. Our laboratory offers a canine respiratory PCR test panel, which includes tests for Influenza A (i.e., all type A influenza viruses including the old and new canine strains), Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma spp, Canine adenovirus-2, Canine distemper, and Canine coronavirus. We also offer a feline respiratory PCR test panel, which includes: Feline herpesvirus, Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Influenza A, and Feline calicivirus. Two identical deep nasal swabs are the samples of choice and should be placed in a sterile red-top tube with a few drops of sterile saline and shipped cold (ice packs) for priority overnight delivery. We can also test post-mortem respiratory tissues (lung and trachea). Samples can be submitted through our courier in the Greater Atlanta Area, or with our prepaid UPS shipping labels from anywhere.
Information Links:
Veterinarian Resources Client Resources National Surveillance DataRecommended testing for suspicious cases:
Canine Respiratory PCR Panel
Please call us at 706-542-5568 with any other questions, to request a discounted shipping label, or visit us online at ugavetlab.org for additional information.
Since 2005, the H3N8 strain of influenza A virus (originally an equine virus) has been identified as a cause of respiratory disease in dogs. During the first quarter of 2015, a new strain of influenza virus (H3N2) was detected in cases of canine respiratory disease in the Chicago area. Both viruses do not cause human disease. However, the newly-identified canine H3N2 virus also causes disease in cats, whereas the original canine H3N8 virus appears to be restricted to dogs.
The UGA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Athens and Tifton offer a PCR test that detects all strains of type A influenza virus, including these new strains. So far, testing in our laboratories have not detected canine influenza virus in dog cases from the state of Georgia. However, our testing of samples from dogs with respiratory illness in Georgia has detected three well-known agents typically associated with kennel cough: Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine adenovirus-2, and Mycoplasma. It is important to note that signs of Canine influenza virus infection are similar to those caused by more well-known pathogens of kennel cough and include cough, runny nose, fever, and lethargy.
Because many viral and bacterial agents can cause canine respiratory disease, we recommend that dogs exhibiting upper respiratory illness should be tested for multiple agents in order to identify the exact cause. Our laboratory offers a canine respiratory PCR test panel, which includes tests for Influenza A (i.e., all type A influenza viruses including the old and new canine strains), Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma spp, Canine adenovirus-2, Canine distemper, and Canine coronavirus. We also offer a feline respiratory PCR test panel, which includes: Feline herpesvirus, Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Influenza A, and Feline calicivirus. Adequate samples for both test panels are nasopharyngeal swabs or lavages in viral transport media or in sterile saline shipped cold (ice packs) for overnight delivery. We can also test post-mortem respiratory tissues (lung and trachea). Samples can be submitted through our courier in the Greater Atlanta Area, or with prepaid UPS shipping labels from anywhere.
Please call us at 706-542-5568 to request a shipping label, with any other questions, or visit us online at ugavetlab.org for additional information.
PERMALINK :: Update on Canine Respiratory Disease and Canine influenza virus
On Friday February 27, 2015, the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) infection in samples taken from two pigs at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show. PED is a recently emerged disease of swine that appeared for the first time in the United States in April 2013 and has been reported in 31 states, but this is the first confirmation of its occurrence in Georgia. The disease causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, with high mortality, especially in suckling piglets less than 14 days old. Pigs with vomiting and diarrhea should be suspected of having this disease. The diagnostic sample of choice is feces submitted for PCR testing.
For more about PED, please review the following links:
Starting Feb. 16, the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will be using the VITEK®2 to systematically provide you with MIC values for all pathogenic bacteria isolates. This will help you determine the best drugs to prescribe for treating the organisms.
Four panels are available:
Click here to review the full drug panels.
Click here to review information from the manufacturer about the VITEK® 2 system.
You get BETTER, FASTER diagnostics at NO additional cost!
Note: Extended range urine MICs are still available upon request ($18 cost). VITEK®2 tests are not available for Food Animals, Exotics/Fish and Eye illnesses.
Questions? Contact us at athndlab@uga.edu or 706.542.5568.
Recent articles have publicized the premiums paid for BVD tested calves in some internet auctions. According to an analysis of Superior Livestock Auction data of more than 400,000 head marketed during 2013, the average premium paid for BVD-PI Free status calves was $2.97 per hundredweight – a 23% increase from the previous year. Similar to what producers have experienced with premiums paid for value-added vaccination programs, this BVD-PI Free premium translates into more profit per calf – an additional $14 per head on a 600 pound animal. “What I’ve found looking through data on more than 6.5 million head marketed with Superior Livestock over the past 19 years is that buyers truly appreciate healthy calves backed by information documenting their health status,” says Glenn Rogers, D.V.M, Superior Livestock Auction Consultant. “For example, BVD-PI Free status is one factor that does affect sale price. In 2013, the 1.4% of calf lots identified and sold as BVD-PI Free averaged $2.97 per hundredweight more, creating a really nice return for their owners.” - See more at: http://www.thecattlesite.com/news/46373/new-analysis-shows-bvdpi-testing-pays-netting-producers-14-more-per-head#sthash.AKGPChvS.dpuf In 2013, the 47 lots identified as being BVD PI Free brought a $2.97-per-hundredweight premium compared to non-BVD-PI tested cattle. For a 600-pound calf, this meant a $17.82 advantage. After subtracting the testing costs, producers netted at least $14 per head.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea is a viral disease of cattle and other ruminants that is caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus. The virus has 2 biotypes; cytopathic (causes cell death) and non-cytopathic (does not cause cell death, and most commonly isolated from infected animals) and 2 genotypes, type 1 and type 2. Some cattle infected with BVD virus do not show any signs of disease. BVD infections may be acute, temporary infection or permanent. Permanently infected cattle are referred to as persistent infected (PI). BVD transmission after birth is considered transient but may lead to clinical disease and in severe cases even death. The effects of BVD infection on the developing fetus vary depending on the stage of pregnancy when the cow is infected. Infection early in the pregnancy will usually result in abortion. Exposure of the fetus to the non-cytopathic BVD biotype prior to 125 days of gestation can result in the development of a permanently infected calf or PI. The calf’s immune system does not recognize the BVD virus as foreign so the immune system does not attack it. Although many PI calves are born unthrifty and die or are culled within 6 months, some become adults. PI’s shed large amounts of virus throughout their lifetime and continually infect other cattle with the virus. Transmission from PIs to susceptible members of the herd can be by direct contact or through contaminated veterinary and farm equipment or facilities.
Diseases observed in infected herds include: reproductive failure including failure to conceive, embryonic loss, abortion, congenital defects and stillborn or weak, unthrifty calves, and also respiratory disease or diarrhea in young cattle. Though most infections are transient, a PI is often the source for recurring infections in many herds. In adult cattle, the clinical signs vary from no obvious illness to fever, nasal discharge, oral lesions, diarrhea, decreased milk production, pneumonia, infertility or abortion in pregnant females. Signs that a calf might have been expose before birth include weak or stillborn calves, failure to get up, uncoordinated or stumbling and failure to nurse. Exposure after birth may lead to diarrhea and pneumonia.
| Effects of BVD Exposure on the Fetus During Pregnancy | |||||||||
| < ---- Infertility | |||||||||
| Embryo Death | Abortion | ||||||||
| Congenital Deformities | |||||||||
| Variety of Effects | |||||||||
| Months of Gestation | |||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
BVD is present in the state of Georgia and has been diagnosed in beef and dairy herds. A USDA report in 2007 found 13.6% of the cattle operations in the Southeast had at least one BVD positive sample in their herd. In a south GA herd, 1/3 of the replacement heifers were found to be infected with BVD. In another herd, 3 PI calves were identified out of 16 calves. The owner wanted to know why he only had 16 calves out of 45 cows. If your herd has a problem with high incidence of calf sickness, poor reproductive performance including abortions and poor weaning weights, it is beneficial to test for and rule out BVD.
Disease caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus produces significant economic loss to the beef and dairy industries. BVD costs farmers through increased reproductive losses, poor calf health, lower weaning weights and weaning rates, cost of treating disease and increased susceptibility to other diseases. Management practices to control the disease include vaccination of all members of the herd, biosecurity procedures to prevent introduction, bio-containment to interrupt the spread of the virus and laboratory testing of samples for the presence of the virus in a herd, with the final goal of identifying and removing PI animals from the herd.
Many vaccines today are proven to protect against acute BVD infections in the herd as well as to protect the developing fetus from BVD infection when used according to the label directions. Modified live viral (MLV) vaccines stimulate the part of the immune system that kills cells infected with BVD virus and can stimulate immunity in one dose. MLV should not be given to pregnant cows that haven’t been previously vaccinated with at least 2 doses of MLV. Killed viral vaccines require at least 2 doses and stimulate only the part of the immune system that produces antibodies to BVD. The antibodies bind and inactivate circulating virus particles. Killed vaccines are safe to give to cows any time and require annual boosters to be most effective. There are many kinds of vaccines and vaccine combinations. It can be confusing when deciding on a vaccine product and strategy, so consult with a knowledgeable veterinarian to develop an effective vaccine program tailored to your herd. The most convenient time to start cattle on a MLV program is after weaning and before breeding. Replacement heifers can be easily vaccinated before the breeding season, preventing any concern about using MLV in the future.
An effective biosecurity plan reduces the chances of introducing disease into the herd. New additions are kept separate from the herd for 1-2 months and watched for signs of disease before being combined with the rest of the herd. During this quarantine period testing can be done to determine if the animals carry or have been exposed to BVD or any other pathogen. Also, this is a good time to vaccinate the new additions and get them on the same program as the main herd. If the new additions are pregnant, the calves will have to be tested soon after birth to see if they are BVD negative. Cows that have been exposed to BVD virus can pass it on to the developing fetus without developing any outward signs of infection.
Biosecurity focuses on preventing introduction, while bio-containment is focused on preventing the spread of a disease that might be present in the herd. Implementing a good general management plan to identify and manage known risks in the herd will help interrupt the spread of many known pathogens. One of the most effective management tools to improve animal health, performance and fertility is to have controlled breeding and calving seasons. Eliminating exposure of the breeding herd to any source of BVD prevents future PI calves. Calving is an especially vulnerable time for cows and calves, so reducing pathogen exposure during this time gives cows and calves time to recover from this stressful period. Shortening the calving season, moving dry cows onto fresh pasture to calve and calving first calf heifers separately from the main cow herd are strategies that limit the exposure of cows and calves to pathogens and facilitate management.
There are several situations in which laboratory testing is needed: diagnosing the cause of disease, identifying infected animals, herd surveillance and marketing of BVD free animals. Diagnostic tests need to be accurate, economical and rapid. Diagnosis: If an animal is showing clinical signs of illness, a whole blood sample (purple cap tube) needs to be taken and sent to the lab (see details on laboratory testing below). If abortions have occurred it is imperative to send in as much fresh tissue as possible from the aborted fetus (or the whole fetus with placenta). A blood sample from the dam may be helpful to see if she is acutely infected. Looking for antibodies in the serum could help make a diagnosis but a second sample 30 days after the first sample (referred to as a convalescent sample) is needed to compare the antibody levels in the blood. Accurate, rapid results are needed to know how to treat affected animals and protect the other members of the herd. Whole herd screening: You want to buy or sell a calf and you want to verify that it is not BVD-PI. If you purchase pregnant, BVD-free heifers, you must still test the calf after it is born to ensure you will not accidentally introduce BVD into the herd. Individual samples can be blood samples or tissue samples like ear notches.
Testing strategy depends on the diagnostic purpose. Even after infected animals are identified it still might be worthwhile to test all cattle in the herd or all exposed to the affected animal(s). Not all BVD positive cattle are PI. It is recommended to retest the animals that have a BVD positive test 4-6 weeks later. In some cases, BVD positive animals may be acutely infected but not persistently infected. Animals with acute infection may be able to recover from the disease and are not BVD carriers. Whole herd screening tests all animals in the herd. This can be done if there is a suspicion that BVD might be affecting the herd’s health or reproductive performance or to keep a known BVD negative herd. Fortunately, by testing the calf we also know the status of the dam. If a calf is negative then his mother is negative as well, so we get the benefit of testing the pair for one test fee. However, if the calf is positive the dam needs to be tested because she may not be BVD positive. If the dam is negative (not a PI), the likely source of BVD fetal infection was dam exposure during gestation (acute BVD infection) to another infected animal in the herd. Having documentation of BVD test-negative animals aids in marketing cattle. As mentioned earlier BVD negative feeder calves have sold for premiums in some marketing programs. After a herd has been test-negative for a few years, it is only necessary to test the market animals and all additions to keep adequate surveillance on the herd BVD status.
There are 3 basic BVD tests commonly used for routine or diagnostic testing: antigen capture ELISA (or ACE) on ear notches or blood samples; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on ear notches or blood, or immunohistochemistry (IHC) on ear notches. The ELISA or ACE test detects the virus in the fluid (ear notch in saline) and is used for testing individuals. This test is not approved for mixed samples (pooling) to reduce costs and may result in a false negative test (animal tests negative when in fact is infected). The individual ACE test is the most common test used because it offers rapid results with the fastest turnaround time. PCR can be used to run several samples pooled together in a single test. The PCR process takes small amount of virus RNA and multiplies the amount to improve the test sensitivity. That is why it can be used with pooled samples. For PCR, up to 24 samples can be combined in a single test which can reduce testing costs significantly. IHC is a tissue staining technique to identify PI animals. The tissue is fixed in formalin, stained to target BVD virus infected cells and examined under a microscope. This is used for testing individual samples and takes longer to do than either ACE or PCR.
Some cattle that test positive with ACE or PCR are not PI’s. It is highly recommended to retest cattle that test positive with the ACE or PCR tests 4-5 weeks later to determine if the animal is a PI or temporarily infected. Cattle with a temporary BVD infection often clear within 4 weeks.
Normally, the turn-around time for ACE and PCR is 24 hours. However, if a pool tests positive, then all the pooled samples have to be run individually by ACE to identify the PI animal(s), which requires additional time (1-2 days) and costs. If time is critical, we suggest that you request the ACE test upfront. PCR testing is recommended when the number of samples to be tested is higher than 96.
| # of samples received at once | PCR pool size | PCR cost per head | Time to results (PCR) | ACE cost per head | Time to results (ACE) |
| 1-5 | NA | NA | NA | $5.00 plus $10 Setup fee | 24 hours |
| 5-9 | NA | NA | NA | $4.50 | 24 hours |
| 10-23 | 10 | $3.20 | 2-3 business days | $4.50 | 24 hours |
| 24 or more | 10 | $3.20 | 2-3 business days | $3.50 | 24 hours |
Fees may change without notice. Check website for most current fees; www.ugavetlab.org
There are a lot of laboratories from which to choose for BVD testing. It is important to select a lab that has a verifiable quality control process and uses the correct tests in the correct way. False negative tests are worse than false positive because it gives a false sense of security and increases the chances of infecting other cattle. The Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Athens and Tifton undergo regular quality reviews to verify their lab procedures are as accurate as possible. They are the only laboratories in Georgia accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), the gold standard for veterinary diagnostic laboratory accountability. If you suspect your herd may be affected quick action to find the source of infection can help reduce the damage by this potentially devastating disease. If your herd is not performing to your expectations and you have higher than expected calf loss or too many open cows, it may be worth investigating whether BVD is the cause. As with many things, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. The UGA veterinary diagnostic laboratories provide diagnostic guidance and assistance to veterinarians and Georgia farmers that desire information about eradicating BVD or other potential disease agents from their herds. Further information about the tests, prices, and turn-around time can be found at www.ugavetlab.org or by calling either laboratory: Athens (706-542-5568) or Tifton (229-386-3340).
Cattle farmers have an unprecedented financial opportunity in today’s cattle market. With healthy calves bringing as much as $1200 or more, the costs of disease in the cow herd is higher than ever. Reproductive losses caused by BVD or other diseases are preventable. Farmers are encouraged to work with their veterinarians to develop a good herd health program and achieve optimal reproductive efficiency in their herds. Contact your local veterinarian, county extension coordinator or the UGA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories for more information if you think BVD testing might help you and your herd.
Call the Environmental Health Office in the county where the bite occurred. Download the list of County Environmental Health Office numbers (PDF).
The county’s Environmental Health Office completes a bite incident report in a new program called SENDSS (State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System). They also make arrangements to send the animal/head/brain, along with the SENDSS report, to the Georgia Department of Public Health Laboratory for Rabies testing free of charge.
More questions? Call 706-542-5568 to speak with the virology manager.
The Athens and Tifton Laboratories are not public health laboratories and our results are not definitive in rabies bite cases. You must call the county where the bite occurred. NOTE: Rabies exposure, not involving a bite, is very rare and involves contact of saliva or brain matter of an infected animal with scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes.
The UGA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Athens conducted a necropsy on a single puppy that was reported to have ingested Trifexis. Based on this single case, we do not have any information regarding the toxicity, or lack thereof, of this drug. Pet owners or veterinarians who want to report an adverse reaction to an approved drug should report the problem directly to the drug’s manufacturer, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Elanco, which manufactures Trifexis, has created a phone hotline for consumers: 888-545-5973. Click here to read a statement released by Elanco on Nov. 11, 2013.
Veterinarians with questions may contact Elanco Chief Veterinarian Dr. Steve Connell at 317-433-5488 or connell_stephen_a@elanco.com
-- Posted Nov. 13, 2013
PERMALINK :: For Veterinarians and Pet Owners Concerned about Trifexis
(Athens, Ga.) — The University of Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, located in Athens and Tifton, are collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network to evaluate diagnostic samples from companion animals in suspect cases of exposure to contaminated foods or drugs, to help protect human and animal health.
On May 16, 2014, the FDA released an update to its ongoing investigation into pet illnesses and deaths associated with jerky pet treats, nearly all of which are imported from China. Since 2007, the FDA has investigated over 4,800 reports of pet illnesses related to consumption of chicken, duck, or sweet potato jerky treats. As of May 1, 2014, more than 5,600 dog cases, 24 cat cases, 3 human cases, and more than 1,000 canine deaths have been reported. So far, no specific cause has been determined for these illnesses. For more information click here.
InvestigationThe FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine is partnering with other government agencies, such as the CDC, and member laboratories of the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), such as the Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, to investigate jerky pet treat illnesses nationwide. In this regard, we will conduct FDA-approved and FDA-paid testing on jerky pet treats, animal specimens, or entire pet carcasses as part of the investigation. If you suspect your pet has become ill as a result of eating jerky pet treats, report the case through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal (or call the FDA at 1.240.276.9300). You must obtain FDA pre-approval prior to submitting suspect jerky pet treats, sick animal samples, or dead animals to us through your veterinarian.
What to look for in your petPets that have consumed potentially contaminated jerky treats may exhibit the following symptoms within hours to several days following consumption: decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and increased urination.
Information to be provided to the FDA and/or to your veterinarian should includePERMALINK :: UGA labs conduct testing for FDA’s pet food surveillance program
PERMALINK :: In 2012, EEE diagnosed in 8 Georgia counties; WNV in equines diagnosed in 4 counties
PERMALINK :: AVDL and TVDIL were featured in the 2011 VMES Report
