View the following topics for additional information and frequently asked questions relating to diagnostic submissions.
If your questions are not answered on this page, contact SCWDS via email ([email protected]) or phone (706) 542-1741.
View the following topics for additional information and frequently asked questions relating to diagnostic submissions.
If your questions are not answered on this page, contact SCWDS via email ([email protected]) or phone (706) 542-1741.
Ideal samples are the entire head or both retropharyngeal lymph nodes and obex (fresh prefered over formalin-fixed). For deer, retropharyngeal lymph nodes alone can be tested but to gain more information about stage of infection, obex would be needed. For elk, obex and retropharyngeal lymph nodes (or the entire head), should be submitted.
SCWDS does not routinely test captive cervids for CWD. Exceptions can be made for unusual circumstances after direct communication with a diagnostician prior to sending
What viruses do we test for?
Routine hemorrhagic disease (HD) testing is for epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV). SCWDS can also test for cervid adenovirus if warranted based on on field signs or postmortem findings.
What species do we test?
SCWDS tests all North American cervids (e.g. white-tailed and mule deer, elk, moose), pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and other species as necessary. For other species not listed, please contact the diagnostic service or SCWDS HD laboratory for further guidance before shipment.
What tests are run and when?
In peak HD season (July through October), samples are tested via RT-PCR and virus isolation is performed on positive samples. Serotyping is also performed on virus isolation positive samples. During non-peak seasons, testing will be limited to RT-PCR on cases with appropriate field signs or necropsy findings that are suspect HD casesy.
What samples are preferred for testing?
Preferred samples are pieces of fresh (unfrozen) lung and/or spleen for EHDV, BTV, and cervid adenovirus. Lymph node or whole blood in anticoagulant can also be submitted if the other two samples are unavailable. Bone marrow is not preferred but can be used in specific circumstances. Samples of approximately golf ball to tennis ball size are preferred.
How should samples be stored?
Samples should be stored refrigerated and shipped with ice packs. If long delays (e.g. weeks) between collecting and shipping are anticipated, samples can be frozen; however, this may impact our ability to isolate viruses in cell culture.
How much does testing cost?
Typically, all hemorrhagic disease testing is performed at no charge for wildlife agencies, regardless of SCWDS membership status in support of the long-standing participation of all states in the SCWDS Annual HD Questionnaire. Charges for non-member states does occur occasionally.
General information:
Swab recommendations:
Viral transport media recommendations:
Media storage (before sample collection):
Preferred swab samples:
Sample (HPAI swab) storage: