Swine Diagnostics
ABOUT | TESTS | FORMS | GUIDELINES | REFERENCE GUIDES
Overview
For bovine clients, Newport Laboratories uses PCR technology for:
- Detecting Mycoplasma spp, BVDV, IBRV, BRSV, BCV
- Detecting E. coli fimbrae and toxins
- Detecting Clostridium perfringens
- Mycoplasma bovis speciation
- Moraxella bovis/ovis speciation
- Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin gene detection
Examples of organisms genotyped in the PCR lab for bovine cases include:
- Moraxella bovoculi
- Mannheimia haemolytica
- E. coli
- Histophilus somni
- Pasteurella multocida
We also offer Mycoplasma bovis DNA fingerprinting, which allows a client to see strain variations in a herd infected with Mycoplasma bovis. All of these tests aid in the selection of vaccine strains for autogenous production.
Tests
Diagnostic Specimens and Tests for the Major Swine Diseases
Submission Forms
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
Submission Guidelines
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.
Diagnostic Reference Guide
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.
Bovine
We also offer Mycoplasma bovis DNA fingerprinting, which allows a client to see strain variations in a herd infected with Mycoplasma bovis. All of these tests aid in the selection of vaccine strains for autogenous production.
Swine
We routinely test for a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens in swine that can be included in autogenous vaccines.
Cervidae and Other Species
We also offer our diagnostic submissions suggestions for submitting tissue samples to be tested for Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease Virus or Blue Tongue Virus.