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?
- Clinical signs and histological lesions are indistinguishable between EHD and BT
- PCR negative EHD may still be BT positive, and vice-versa
- Some animals may be positive for both EHD and BT
Correct diagnosis is the only way to ensure herd health, whether cattle or deer, and stem a potentially catastrophic outbreak. Utilize the following tests to rule out EHD and BT.
Bluetongue and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Multiplex (rtPCR)
Acceptable specimens: 1-2 mL whole, unclotted blood in an EDTA tube, 1 gram tissues (spleen), or 1-2 mL semen
Turnaround: Performed in College Station Tuesday-Friday, with results in 1-4 business days.
Bluetongue Virus (rtPCR)
Acceptable specimens: 1-2 mL whole, unclotted blood in an EDTA tube, 1 gram tissues (spleen), or 1-2 mL semen
Turnaround: Performed in College Station Tuesday-Friday, with results in 1-4 business days.
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (rtPCR)
Acceptable specimens: 1-2 mL whole, unclotted blood in an EDTA tube, 1 gram tissues (spleen), or 1-2 mL semen
Turnaround: Performed in College Station Tuesday-Friday, with results in 1-4 business days.
Bluetongue Virus Isolation (Egg Inoculation)
Acceptable specimens: 2-5 mL EDTA whole or heparin whole blood, 0.5-1 mL semen, 2-5 g spleen or other fresh tissues as deemed appropriate by submitter and/or professional staff.
Turnaround: Performed in College Station on Thursdays with results 7-21 business days.
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Isolation (Cell Culture)
Acceptable specimens: 2-5 mL heparin whole blood, 0.5-1 mL semen, 2 g spleen, 2-5 g fresh tissues as deemed appropriate by submitter and/or professional staff.
Turnaround: Performed in College Station on Tuesday with results in 14- 21 business days.