Theileria orientalis-Anaplasma marginale Duplex Real-Time PCR Now Available at ADDL
Caitlyn Lewis and Rachel Brown, Molecular Laboratory Interns
Reid Neinast, B.S., Molecular Laboratory Scientist
The invasive Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) was discovered in the eastern United States in 2017 and was recently reported in Ohio. With ALHT comes the concern of transmission of a pathogenic strain of non-native Theileria orientalis, a cause of bovine theileriosis. This pathogenic strain has already been identified as far west as West Virginia and shares its geographic range with Anaplasma marginale, the cause of endemic anaplasmosis in cattle. Symptoms of theileriosis are clinically identical to those of anaplasmosis, and differentiation is only viable using diagnostic testing methods.
A new real-time PCR assay is now available at ADDL that simultaneously tests for T. orientalis and A. marginale in bovine samples. The test is performed Monday through Friday, and has a 2-5 day turnaround time. Accepted samples include EDTA blood tubes and spleen tissue.
Additional ALHT resources are available by contacting the OSU Parasite and Pathogen Ecology (PPE) OSU Parasite and Pathogen Ecology (PPE) or visiting the Animal Health AHLT Resource Page. Questions related to animal testing may be addressed by contacting the ADDL at 614-728-6220 or submissions@agri.ohio.gov.
Immediately report large numbers of ticks on livestock to the Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220.
2021-2022 Reynoldsburg High School Students: Rachel, Caitlyn, Durre, and Anna. Check out the latest news highlight on our website to read more about their experiences in ADDL this academic year.
Employee Updates
Dominika Jurkovic, Ph.D., Central Receiving Section Head
The ADDL welcomed two new members to the laboratory: Annie Rorick is our new Histology Technician and Joni Vance joined the Central Receiving Section.
Annie graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Zoology. After her undergraduate studies, she initially worked in molecular biology for eight years researching frog development and prostate cancer. Annie switched to histology nine years ago and has worked in the field ever since. Her histology experience includes work in animal toxicology and clinical tissues. Outside ADDL, Annie has started studying electronic music production and DJ'ing and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes ice hockey and hiking. Joni Vance joined Central Receiving as a Laboratory Technician and brings vast Customer Service experience from her previous work at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the City of Columbus, and the United Parcel Service. Joni has two adult children, two dogs named Sugar and Spice, and a cat named Oliver. When not working in ADDL, Joni enjoys spending time with family and friends and making her own greeting cards.
We're happy to announce three ADDL staff members have earned promotions. Dominika Jurkovic is the Central Receiving Section Head, before this position she worked in Bacteriology as a Laboratory Scientist. Qirui (Ray) Zhang was promoted from Laboratory Scientist 2 to Laboratory Scientist 3 in the Molecular Diagnostics Section. Rose Blocker has moved from Central Receiving to Avian Serology as a Laboratory Scientist.
Brucella canis Testing Reminders
As Brucella canis is a reportable disease in the state of Ohio, testing for this organism is considered a regulatory test which requires an official animal identification be included on the submission form accompanying the sample(s). Samples submitted without one of the animal identifications names above will not be tested until this information is received to the laboratory. For questions on B. canis testing and submission requirements please call 614-728-6220 or email
submissions@agri.ohio.gov.
Lab Holiday Reminder
 In observance of Memorial Day, Ohio ADDL will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2022.
If you need to contact us regarding an urgent matter, please use our after hours phone number: (888) 456-3405.
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