Equine Tests

Serology Tests

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)

EVA is caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV). The disease can cause upper respiratory tract infections, ventral oedema and abortion. The virus is spread primarily through aerosols from the respiratory tract, but can also be spread in faeces, urine and vaginal secretions/ semen. Post-infection, the virus is usually eliminated within 1 to 2 months, but up to 35% of infected stallions may become persistent carriers. Carrier stallions are asymptomatic but shed virus continuously in semen.

Testing can be carried out on serum from clotted blood samples to detect the presence of antibodies to EAV. FarmLab Diagnostics use a commercially available Elisa test to determine the presence of antibodies to EAV.

Equine Infectious anaemia

This disease, also known as swamp fever, affects horses mules and donkeys. It is caused by infection with a lentivirus (Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus, EIAV). Infection usually results in relatively mild clinical signs, usually related to immunosuppression and fever. Infected animals often recover but remain viraemic and infectious for life.

Diagnosis is based on the demonstration of circulating antibodies to an EIAV protein, this can be carried out by using an Elisa test, with positive results confirmed using an Agar gel Immunodiffusion test, or Coggins test

Strangles Equine Elisa

This is an antibody Elisa test which may be used to check for exposure to Streptococcus equi subsp. Equi. The test has a high degree of sensitivity at detecting animals which have seroconverted to the disease, and therefore may be of use in the identification of latent carriers, which did not show clinical signs typical of “Strangles”. The test does exhibit some cross-reactivity with streptococcus zooepidemicus, therefore horses which show positive results may need to be subjected to confirmatory testing using culture or PCR testing.

Equine Influenza-A Elisa

Antibody ELISA to demonstrate exposure to Influenza virus. Positive results may occur in non-infected vaccinated animals; however, the test is not a reliable indicator of effective vaccination. Paired serum samples taken 3-4 weeks apart following the demonstration of clinical signs is indicative of infection

Bacteriology and Culture

FarmLab provides a range of bacteriological tests including culture for CEM organisms, Taylorella, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas in accordance with ITBA guidelines. We also culture other diagnostic specimens, such as endometrial washes or swabs for the detection and diagnosis of endometriosis. Similarly, abscesses and infected wounds can be cultured and sensitivity testing carried out to assist in the correct treatment

Haematology and Biochemistry

We provide a full range of biochemistry and haematology tests to help in the detection of infectious diseases or other biochemical or metabolic abnormalities

Parasitology

Faecal egg counts are becoming an increasingly important tool in the management of worm infestations on horse farms. FarmLab provide a rapid  turnaround on faecal worm tests, to facilitate in the treatment and management of worm infestations on farm

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