Swine Diagnostics

For swine clients, Newport Laboratories offers PCR, genotyping and DNA sequencing as diagnostic tests, and to support autogenous strain selection.

PCR is used for:

Detecting Porcine E. coli fimbrae, toxins, and adherence factors
C. perfringens Types A & C
C. difficile
P. multocida
M. hyopneumoniae, hyorhinis, hyosynoviae

Detecting H. parasuis
SIV detection/subtyping
PRRS detection
Euro-like PRRS detection

PRRS detection is the most common test performed and can be done on a variety of sample types including serum, semen, and blood swabs. Genotyping is done on a variety of organisms such as H. parasuis, S. suis, A. suis, and others. We also perform DNA sequencing of SIV, PRRS and PCV viruses. These sequences then enable clients to monitor changes in their herds and select new vaccine strains for autogenous production of PRRS and SIV vaccines.

Swine Diagnostic Tabs

Diagnostic Specimens and Tests for the Major Swine Diseases

(Click image for larger view)

Swine Diagnostic Submission Forms

Newport Laboratories diagnostic request forms are available for customers to fill out and submit with their samples. There are three ways to submit your request forms:

Download, print, complete by hand and mail
Download, complete electronically, print completed form and mail
Download, complete electronically, and email completed form

PDF for Download:

Swine-Diagnostic-Request-Form.pdf

Swine-Serology-Request.pdf

Collecting and Submitting Swine Samples for Diagnosis

Selection and Collection of Tissues/Samples

Samples for detection (bacterial culture, virus isolation, or PCR) of the pathogen should be fresh (refrigerated). Fresh tissue samples should be sufficiently large to allow culture; do not cut loops of intestines open. They may be placed separately in Ziploc® or Whirl-pak® bags.
Formalin-fixed samples should be kept separate from fresh samples.
Intestinal samples should be at least two inches in length. These samples should be kept separate from other samples to avoid contamination.
If using culture swabs and transport media, be sure to use the appropriate media:
- For mycoplasma or viral isolation, always use the recommended medium.
- For bacterial isolation, avoid using mycoplasma or viral media which contain antimicrobials and may inhibit growth of the desired pathogen.

Shipping

All samples should be "double-bagged" to reduce the chance of leaking. This includes formalin-fixed samples.
All samples (unless noted otherwise) should be refrigerated until shipped. For shipping, choose the method that will assure samples will be received in 48 hours or less. Avoid sending tissues over a weekend. Appropriate amounts of ice (cold packs) should be used. In hot weather, additional ice packs should be included.
Free diagnostic shippers are available upon request.

PDF for Download:

Swine Submission Guidelines OL.pdf

Swine Disease Diagnostic Resources

Newport Laboratories has created a valuable tool to help swine veterinarians and producers in diagnosing major swine diseases. The Swine Disease Diagnostic Manual is a 40-page, full-color publication containing information and pictures on 23 major swine diseases, necropsy instructions for various stages of production, and guidelines on diagnostic sample submission. Manuals are available in either English or Spanish versions, and are free of charge.

Order physical copies of the Swine Disease Diagnostic Manual here.

Newport Labs