Laboratory Testing

Testing of Living Non-equine WNV Suspects

Currently, testing of samples from living non-equine species for evidence of WNV infection is limited. At the DCPAH, two tests are available for canine serum and/or CSF.

The IgM capture ELISA can be run for dogs showing acute neurological signs. The submittal form must be filled out completely and must accompany the sample. The test requires approximately 2 ml of serum, 5 ml of clotted whole blood or 1ml of CSF and takes 2 days to complete. The Virology Section of DCPAH will perform this test on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the results will be faxed. Samples have to be in the laboratory by noon at the latest on the days the test is performed. The fee for this testing is $25.00.

The IgG capture ELISA is a screening test for previous exposure to WNV. The test requires approximately 2ml of serum or 5 ml of clotted whole blood and takes 2 days to complete. Sera will be tested at a dilution of 1:100 and the results will be reported as positive or negative. Positive results indicate that the dog was previously exposed to field virus, but cannot be used to determine whether the animal has protective immunity to WNV. The Virology Section of DCPAH will perform this test on Thursdays and the results will be faxed. Samples have to be in the laboratory by noon at the latest on the days the test is performed. The fee for this testing is $25.00.

The Virus Neutralization (VN) Test, which can be run on serum from any species, will be performed in the Immunodiagnostics Section of DCPAH. Two ml of serum or 5 ml of whole blood are required. This test provides information on the titer of viral neutralizing antibodies in serum. The fee for this test is $25.00.

Testing of Dead Non-equine WNV Suspects

Necropsy of non-equine WNV suspects will be similar to the protocol described under Laboratory Testing for horses. Tissues will be examined microscopically, and if indicated, specific tests for rabies virus and other arboviruses will be performed.