Chronic Wasting Disease Identified in Ohio’s Wild Deer Population
Lauren Cain, RVT, MS, ADDL Veterinary Pathology Assistant
On December 10, 2020, ODNR identified a positive test for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The test was from a wild White-Tailed Deer harvested in Wyandot County, and this is the first CWD-positive in the wild deer population in Ohio. The Division of Wildlife has enacted enhanced surveillance within a ten-mile radius of the positive sample. If hunters wish to test deer which are harvested outside of the surveillance area, please call the laboratory at 614-728-6220 for instructions on how to submit for testing.
CWD Sample Submission Reminder for Captive Cervids
A new year brings a new requirement for sample submission for Chronic Wasting Disease testing of captive cervids in the state. While it was previously acceptable to attach the official identification of a deceased cervid to an alternative piece of hide, as of January 1, 2021, official identification must be submitted attached to a fresh piece of ear tissue that was directly attached to the animal’s official identification at the time of the animal’s death. The tissue only needs to be 1” x 1” and SHOULD NOT be placed in formalin.
If the official identification is a microchip, it must be embedded in tissue with hide attached.
As a reminder, CWD testing submissions should include both fresh and formalin-fixed tissue.
For detailed information on sample collection and submission:
 Calling All Backyard Poultry Practitioners!
Lauren Cain, RVT, MS, ADDL Veterinary Pathology Assistant
The Pathology department receives several calls a week from backyard poultry owners who are seeking necropsy or diagnostic services for their small flocks. As a reference laboratory, we require a veterinarian to submit samples to the ADDL and cannot accept submissions directly from owners. Many backyard flock owners are experiencing difficulties finding a veterinarian willing to provide services for their birds. If you are a veterinarian willing to treat backyard poultry, please call the ADDL at 614-728-6220 or fill out our interest form and our Pathology staff will contact you. We are working to connect flock owners to veterinarians in their area and develop a database of poultry practitioners in response to owner inquiries.
 Melanie Prarat, MS, ADDL Central Receiving Section Head
A new real-time PCR assay is now available that tests for bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine rotavirus A (BRV) and Cryptosporidium spp. in a single-tube format. The test has a 2-5 day turnaround time. Please submit >0.5 g of feces when requesting this test.
|
