Necropsy Dropoff Procedure Changes During COVID-19 Response
Dr. Jeff Hayes, MS, DVM, ADDL Pathology Section Head
The ADDL Pathology Section has had to implement some social distancing changes in the procedures for submitting animals for necropsy examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Submitters will not be permitted to enter the building as done previously. Clipboards and paperwork are available in the east foyer and submitters can fill out the paperwork while sitting in a chair there. Once completed, they can leave the clipboard on a table in the foyer and drive to the loading dock on the south side of the building. ADDL staff will unload their animals while submitters remain in their vehicles. If the pathologist has any questions pertaining to the history, a phone call to your office will be made. Veterinarians are encouraged to call in cases ahead of time, and to email or fax (614-728-6310) the submission form themselves prior to animals arriving at the ADDL. While walk-in cases have always been accepted, the ADDL appreciates advance notice of incoming animals for necropsy (614-728-6220) during this time. Partial payments are discontinued at the time of drop-offs until further notice. We appreciate you understanding and cooperation during this time of a global pandemic.
ADDL Maintains USDA NAHLN Level 1 Laboratory Status
Melanie Prarat, MS, ADDL Central Receiving Section Head
The current structure of the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) was developed to ensure the oversight, leadership, and administration of the Network, while giving the NAHLN the necessary flexibility to respond to national animal health testing needs. NAHLN labs are reassessed each year based on a self-assessment and data verification based on accomplishments, past performance, and other pertinent information. Based on the most recent assessment, the ADDL will maintain its Level 1 status in the NAHLN, making Ohio one of 19 U.S. states that house Level 1 laboratories.
The NAHLN supports U.S. animal agriculture by developing and increasing the capabilities and capacities of a national veterinary diagnostic laboratory network to support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. It is a nationally coordinated network and partnership of Federal, State, and university-associated animal health laboratories. NAHLN veterinary diagnostic laboratories provide animal health diagnostic testing to detect biological threats to the nation’s food animals, thus protecting animal health, public health, and the nation's food supply. They provide the capability to diagnose both endemic and high-consequence livestock pathogens in animals, food, and environmental samples and are likely to be the first-line laboratories for recognition of an intentionally or accidentally introduced agent in animals.
Reference
New USDA – VS Guidance for EIAV Testing
Anne Parkinson, BS, ADDL Serology Section Head
USDA Veterinary Services has issued a new VSG 15201.1 guidance document for EIAV testing effective April 15, 2020. Category II USDA accredited veterinarians should have the new guidance in hand and ready to implement by the effective date. New State of Ohio forms have been updated and will be ready for distribution the week of April 6, 2020. The updated USDA form VS 10-11 – which is dated FEB2018 - is available and can be used until the Ohio supply arrives at the Division of Animal Health. After the effective date of April 15, 2020 – NO older forms of Ohio OR USDA origin will be accepted and should be destroyed. Forms must be filled out completely, leaving no field blank - or they will not be accepted for testing. Please read the new guidance thoroughly for new changes concerning location/premises of animals being tested. It is also important to note that there will be NO amendments to forms 30 days AFTER the collection date – a new form and sample will need to be submitted. The Ohio ADDL will only be accepting accurately and fully completed official forms with sample submissions for EIAV testing.
 This guidance also applies to any online submission services such as USDA VSPS or Global Vet Link. Please call the Division of Animal Health for more information on these changes at 614-728-6220. The complete USDA VSG 15201.1 document is also available here.
Official IDs for Canine Brucellosis Testing
Melanie Prarat, MS, ADDL Central Receiving Section Head
As of August 22, 2015, Brucella canis is a reportable disease in the state of Ohio; therefore, B. canis diagnostic testing is considered a regulatory test with additional requirements for submission of specimens and result reporting to the State Animal Health Official (SAHO). To perform diagnostic testing for any dog in Ohio, the ADDL requires an official animal identification be included on the Submission Form that accompanies the sample(s).
As defined in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC 901:1-5-12), an accredited veterinarian must identify any canine to be tested for B. canis with any of the following approved identification methods:
- A microchip;
- A tattoo;
- A tamper proof eartag; or
- A neck chain with an individual official USDA identification tag may only be used by USDA licensed kennels.
For licensed High Volume Dog Breeder (HVDB) operations only, there is one additional approved official identification, which is a tag with the “Ohio HVDB license # (CB…) and individual dog number”.
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Dogs and Mushrooms - Potential Lethal Combination
Dr. Diane Gerken, DVM, PhD, ADDL Veterinary Toxicologist
This is the perfect time of year (late March thru May) and weather (humidity above 35% and temperatures often ranging between 55-70 degrees outside) for mushrooms to grow in Ohio. Mushrooms can pop-up in your lawn, flowerbed and under trees, (especially pine and oak) within 24 hrs under these conditions. Mushrooms especially love straw based horse manure which happens to be great mulch for the outdoor garden and flowerbeds. Many times newly applied landscape mulch will support the growth of mushrooms also.
There are many poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms in Ohio. Unless you are an expert, the average individual cannot tell which ones are poisonous, neither can dogs. However, dogs have a tendency to ingest them regardless. Ingestion of poisonous mushrooms is likely to be lethal within 4-48 hr after ingestion. Clinical signs can be gastrointestinal, neurological or indicative of hepatotoxicity in nature. Usually the clinical signs are severe and life-threatening.
Because of this, mushrooms should be sought out, destroyed and removed from the dog’s environment daily by clients.
If a veterinarian suspects mushroom ingestion in a pet exposure/death and would like confirmation, please contact ODA ADDL for details.
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