TVMDL Veterinary Bulletins
30-SEP-09, EHD & Bluetongue
EHD and Bluetongue virus in White Tail Deer: Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease and Bluetongue viruses are two closely related viruses that can cause "sudden" death in White Tail Deer. Both viruses cause a vasculitis with somewhat vague symptoms and have been difficult to definitively diagnose in the past. However, with new Molecular Diagnostic testing capability at TVMDL, including genome sequencing, we have markedly increased our ability to assist the practitioner in diagnosing these diseases. You are encouraged to request Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for both of these diseases in any cases involving acute deaths in deer. Please refer to the "Test and Services" tab and "Molecular Diagnostics" on our web site at http://tvmdl.tamu.edu/ for pricing and specimen submission information.
26-OCT-09, Sensitivity test change
Changes in Bacteriology Sensitivity Testing: College Station Our commercial supplier of MIC plates has introduced 2 new panels that offer extended antimicrobial ranges and more species-specific choices. As a result, we will reflect these changes in our disk diffusion testing. We will now offer separate susceptibility testing for equine and companion animal isolates. There will be no change in the way you request susceptibility testing or in the cost of the test; however, you will notice new drugs and MIC ranges on your reports. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact the Bacteriology lab at (888) 646-5623 in College Station.
12-JUN-09, Dr. Tammy Beckham, Director
This memo serves to update you on locations available to handle your routine aquatics diagnostic cases. As you may recall, as of June 1, 2009, the Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has closed its Aquatics testing section. TVMDL will continue to offer limited aquatic diagnostic services to in-state clients by providing some specialized tests, such as molecular based assays. While we regret any inconveniences that this has caused, there are several other laboratories providing aquatic diagnostic services in the United States. A list of these laboratories can be found at the following website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/downloads/ApprovedLabs_Aquaculture.pdf Additionally, for your convenience, TVMDL has provided the list of laboratories below which have indicated a willingness to receive your specimens directly. Please visit their websites to learn about the tests conducted at each location. Due to the extreme sensitivity to autolysis with aquatic fresh tissue specimens, please contact one of the laboratories below or a laboratory of your choice, and do not send specimens to TVMDL for subsequent referral. Please note the call before sending requirement for the Florida laboratory.
Fish Only:
Dr. Kevin R. Snekvik
Assistant Clinical Professor
Aquatic Animal Health Section
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab
College of Vet Medicine
Pullman, Washington 99164
Phone 509-335-9696
ksnek@vetmed.wsu.edu
Dr. Lester Khoo
Cochran Ntl Warmwater Aquaculture Cntr
College of Vet Med
127 Experiment Station Road
PO Box 197
Stoneville, MS 38776
Phone 662-686-3305
khoo@cvm.msstate.edu
(Commercial Cases Only and you must call Dr. Pouder before sending specimen)
Debbie Britt Pouder
Diagnostic Lab Manager
University of Florida
1408 24th Street SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone 813-671-5230 Ext 106
dbpouder@ifas.ufl.edu
Shrimp Only
Dr. Don Lightner
Dept. of Vet Sciences & Micro
1117 E. Lowell St, Room 201
University of Arizona
Tucson, Az 85721
Phone 520-621-8414
dvl@u.arizona.edu