 HPAI Testing
Melanie Prarat, Virology Section Laboratory Scientist
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed two cases of
highly pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza in Tennessee early in March,
resulting in the depopulation of 128,500 birds at two commercial breeder
facilities. It is important to note that this H7N9 strain is of North American lineage and is NOT the same as the H7N9 virus that has impacted poultry and infected humans in China. The ADDL is a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory
Network (NAHLN), with several NAHLN-certified scientists that perform influenza
testing using RT-qPCR. The Ohio Department
of Agriculture (ODA) is working aggressively with Ohio’s poultry industry and
federal partners to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Ohio has no reported cases of avian
influenza, and together regulators, farmers and veterinarians
are working to protect the health of the state’s bird population. Since January 2017, ADDL staff have tested more than 700
poultry samples from commercial facilities, backyard flocks, and live bird
markets in Ohio for avian influenza; all samples have been negative for HPAI. In the event of an outbreak situation in Ohio, the ADDL has high-throughput capacity in order to meet anticipated test demands.
Information about sample collection and/or testing of sick birds suspecting avian
influenza virus infection can be found on the ADDL web site at http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/addl/addl.aspx.
You may also contact ADDL at 614-728-6220 for further guidance.
 EEE/WNV Vaccination
Dr. Jeff Hayes, Pathology Section Head
Spring is upon us and mosquito vectors are beginning to appear for West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV is transmitted to horses via bites from infected
mosquitoes. Clinical signs for WNV in horses include flu-like symptoms such as mild anorexia and depression; fine and coarse muscle and skin
fasciculations; hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound) and changes in
mentation (mentality). Horses may look like they are daydreaming or "just
not with it". Occasional somnolence (drowsiness), propulsive walking
(driving or pushing forward, often without control); and "spinal"
signs, including asymmetrical weakness may occur. Some horses show asymmetrical or
symmetrical ataxia. Equine mortality rates can be as high as 30-40 percent.
Horse owners should consult their private practicing
veterinarian to determine an appropriate disease prevention plan for their
horses. Vaccines have proven to be a very effective prevention tool. Horses
that have been vaccinated in past years will need an annual booster shot.
However, if an owner did not vaccinate their animal in previous years, the
horse will need the 2-shot vaccination series within a 3 to 6-week period. WNV is usually combined with eastern and western encephalitis vaccines. One booster may be able to cover 3 viruses or more as well as tetanus.
In addition to vaccinations, horse owners are encouraged
to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas.
Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside
during the bug's feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and
evening, and using mosquito repellents.
The mantra for horse owners should be vaccinate, vaccinate,
vaccinate! Great protection can be provided for the horse! Additional information about WNV in horses can be found at the American Association of Equine Practitioners web site: https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_WNV.pdf.
Timely intervention can help horse owners avoid very
sad outcomes and protect their horses from this important equine disease.
 USALIMS Update
Linda Barber, Central Receiving and Client Liaison Supervisor
The
ADDL database, USALIMS, is updated every year. These upgrades improve functionality and provide enhancements for ADDL clients and lab personnel. The next update is Friday March 31 and will
start at 6 pm. The upgrade will be completed by 1 pm on
Saturday, April 1st. Access to the USALIMS Portal will not be available to clients during that time. Full access should be restored by 1 pm on April 1st. ADDL
appreciates your understanding during this time period. Please call the laboratory at 614-728-6220 during normal working hours or 888-456-3405 after hours if you have any questions.
ADDL Welcomes Visiting Lab Scientists from Guyana
 Anne Parkinson, Serology Section Head
On
March 7th, the ADDL and Consumer Protection Laboratory (CPL)
welcomed two visiting scientists from the Caribbean island nation of Guyana. The scientists
represent their country’s Food and Drug Department and Animal Disease
Laboratory. The visit was a collaborative educational
effort between the ADDL/CPL and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary
Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. The goal was to learn and receive hands-on experience with automated ELISA
technologies currently being used in the ADDL/CPL, in order to adapt these
methods for their own laboratories. The
training included rotation through the different service units within the ADDL and CPL operating ELISA test
methods. The scientists reviewed quality assurance protocols and method certification
procedures that can be used in their laboratories in Guyana.
|
