 Canine Influenza Testing Offered at ADDL
Katie Shiplett, ADDL Virology Section
A multistate outbreak of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2 has been ongoing in the US since 2015. Chicago and the surrounding areas experienced the hardest hit, with over 1,000 cases being reported in Illinois and several neighboring states. At least 6 cases were fatal. The virus has since been confirmed in over 30 states, including California, Michigan, Iowa, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Indiana, Alabama, Texas and Ohio. Cornell University maintains a map of the Canine Influenza Surveillance Network CIV H3N2 activity nationally from March 2015 to present (date viewed 6/30/17).
Canine Influenza is a respiratory disease which can be transmitted via contact with an infected
dog or aerosolized droplets. Symptoms of canine influenza
include loss of appetite, nasal discharge, lethargy, and fever. Vaccines for
the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of canine influenza are available. The
ADDL offers a real-time Canine Influenza PCR assay with same day results for the detection of
this virus in dogs. Appropriate sample types include
nasal and/or nasopharyngeal swabs, 1-2 mL tracheal wash or fresh tissue (trachea, lung) collected, shipped and tested within the first four days of illness. The test fee is $30.00 per sample. For
more information please contact the Virology Laboratory at 614-728-6220 or Virology@agri.ohio.gov.
 Canine Lyme Disease in Ohio
Melanie Prarat, MS, ADDL Virology Section
Cases of Lyme disease have steadily increased in Ohio over the past four years. This increase coincides with an increase in the principal vector, Ixodes scapularis, that transmits the bacterial agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi. Human and pet encounters with this tick are likely to increase, especially in late summer. Dogs are susceptible to Lyme disease; although dogs cannot directly transmit the bacterium to humans, they can bring ticks into the home. The Ohio ADDL now offers a rapid canine Lyme test that detects B. burgdorferi in canine whole blood, serum or plasma. In addition to Lyme disease, ADDL also offers testing for canine Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.
The most common symptoms associated with Lyme disease in dogs are lameness, stiffness, sensitivity to touch, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and lack of appetite. The majority of dogs respond well to antibiotic treatment.
For more information about Lyme disease in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Health Lyme Disease website: www.odh.ohio.gov/lyme.
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 Canine Distemper Virus in Ohio Dogs and Wildlife
Melanie Prarat, MS, ADDL Laboratory Scientist
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is an infectious disease of domestic dogs as well as some wildlife, including raccoons, wolves, skunks, and foxes. Infected animals show symptoms that include staggering gait, nasal and ocular discharge, and lethargy. The ADDL frequently detects canine distemper virus in dogs and raccoons. In 2016 and 2017 the ADDL detected canine distemper virus in grey foxes and a skunk from Ohio. Partial genome sequencing is being used to study the genetic lineages and phylogeny of CDV from various hosts and geographic locations.
The Ohio ADDL offers an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay for CDV antibody detection. The IFA test may be used to differentiate antibody class (IgM or IgA). In addition to this serological test, the ADDL provides a real-time PCR that differentiates wild-type from vaccine strains of CDV. Sequence analysis is also available. Ideal sample types for the PCR include blood, urine and conjunctival swabs.
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 ADDL Receives ISO17025 Accreditation
Dr. Beverly Byrum, DVM, PhD, ADDL Laboratory Director
The ADDL recently received accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) for Pseudorabies ELISA assays (certificate 2841.01). A2LA is an internationally recognized non-profit, third-party, non-governmental accreditation body that provides an unbiased and objective evaluation of various functions within a laboratory. The ADDL quality system and Pseudorabies ELISA assay were assessed against general criteria found in ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories and was found to be in compliance with the OIE Quality Standard and Guidelines for Veterinary Laboratories: Infectious Diseases (2008).The ADDL is proud to have received this accreditation and looks forward to expanding the scope to include additional tests in the future.
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