Education Library Articles

  • Tube Reference Chart

    Each test description in the online test catalog lists the proper sample submission, including collection container and shipping instructions. Follow the chart below and submit the sample in the correct tube.  Serum Plasma or Whole Blood Zinc Trace Material

  • Malignant Catarrhal Fever

    Information that covers MCF in ruminants.

  • Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer

    Hemorrhagic disease is a viral disease caused by either the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus or the bluetongue virus. These viruses are closely related, but genetically distinct. In North America, hemorrhagic disease is seen primarily among white-tailed deer and occasionally in mule deer, black-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. Wild deer as well as…

  • Cover Your Bases: Test for EHD and Bluetongue

    Hemorrhagic disease in deer can be caused by either Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease (EHD) viruses or Bluetongue viruses (BT). If hemorrhagic disease is suspected, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) advises to test for both EHD and BT viruses. Why does TVMDL recommend testing for both diseases? Correct diagnosis is the only way to…

  • The Facts on Equine Drug Testing

    Analytical Testing Analytical testing capabilities for drug testing have evolved significantly over the years. Historically, techniques such as thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to detect drugs. More modern day tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography – mass…

  • West Nile Virus: Diagnostic Guidance for Veterinarians

    Late summer is when the West Nile virus (WNV) poses the greatest threat to the health of horses in the United States. It’s important for veterinarians to educate horse owners concerning the prevention, detection and accurate diagnose of WNV. Yearly, TVMDL tests between 500 and 1,000 horses for West Nile virus. In 2016, TVMDL confirmed…

  • Cantharidin Poisoning

    When horses ingest the cantharidin toxin through hay or alfalfa contaminated with “blister” beetles, the outcome is often fatal. Toxicosis occurs rapidly; as little as four grams of dried beetles may contain fatal levels of cantharidin. Cantharidin is extremely toxic and fast-acting, quickly affecting a horse’s ability to function. All blister beetles carry cantharidin and…

  • Pigeon Fever

    Most known information on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, or pigeon fever, does not reflect current disease trends. In recent years, the disease that was once considered endemic in California and dry, arid climates in the west has spread as far north as Washington state and has been reported in such eastern states as Kentucky and Florida.  Cases…

  • Stemming the Spread of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

    “Lympho” and “Cheesy gland” are common names used by livestock owners and veterinarians for caseous lymphadenitis (CL), a bacterial disease that affects small ruminants such as sheep and goats. A worldwide problem, CL is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and once endemic on a farm is difficult to eradicate.  Primarily a disease of economic importance in…

  • FAQ: G6S Diagnostic Testing

    Q: What is G6S, and why should I test for it?Caprine mucopolysaccharidosis-iiid is a lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a genetic mutation (a point mutation) which results in a defective G6S (N-Acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase) enzyme. The only method for testing for this genetic defect is with a DNA test identifying the causative point mutation.  Goats should be…