The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers timely and accurate diagnostic tests for Tritrichomonas foetus, the parasite that causes bovine trichomoniasis, or trich. Trich causes abortions and infertility, and unless properly identified with diagnostic testing, can cost the state’s cattle producers millions.
TVMDL employs the most current technology available utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) testing. In order to provide the best service to clients, here are some important guidelines to keep in mind for shipping, incubating, and pooling samples for trich testing by rtPCR or culture.
Collecting and Handling Samples
As with all diagnostic tests, strict attention to detail in collecting and handling samples helps to ensure an accurate diagnosis:
- If requesting a test that uses a collection pouch, ensure it is not expired.
- Because the rtPCR test is based on molecular biology, strict attention to avoid cross contamination between samples should begin at collection. All samples should be collected in as clean a manner as possible. Avoid allowing blood and fecal matter into the collection pouch.
- Protecting the sample from extreme weather or exposure to sunlight while at chute side is important. Minimize temperature extremes in shipment by adding a cold pack in hot weather. Protect the sample from direct contact with the cold pack.
For step-by-step instructions on how to collect a sample and package it for shipment, visit the Education Library for a brief video.
Collection and Shipping Guidelines
Culture
- Ship in In-Pouch.
- Samples must arrive at laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
In-Pouch (rtPCR)
- Ship in In-Pouch.
- Incubate samples at 37ºC (98.6ºF) for 48 hours prior to testing.
- Samples must arrive at laboratory within 96 hours of collection.
- Pooling eligible for up to five samples.
Direct Smegma (rtPCR)
- Ship in tube containing 1.5 mL of PBS or sterile saline.
- Samples must arrive at laboratory within 120 hours of collection.
- Samples must be chilled from collection until received at laboratory.
- Pooling eligible for up to five samples.
Pooling Samples to Reduce Costs
In-Pouch (rtPCR) samples and direct smegma samples submitted in saline are eligible for pooled testing for a more cost effective rate. Per the Texas Animal Health Commission’s (TAHC) regulatory testing requirements, up to five samples can be pooled at one time. Samples must be collected and shipped individually to the laboratory. If requested, TVMDL will pool up to five samples at the laboratory at the current pooling rate.
If a pooled sample results in a positive test, TVMDL will identify the positive animal(s) by testing all individual samples from the pool. Without the individual tests, all bulls in a positive pool are required by the State to go to slaughter.
History of Trichomoniasis in Texas
In 2008, the Texas beef cattle industry responded to the economic threat posed by bovine trichomoniasis. The industry asked the TAHC to consider launching a trichomoniasis control program. In response, TAHC organized the trichomoniasis working group, which includes representatives from livestock commodity groups, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and TVMDL.
Although, the program emphasizes PCR testing as the preferred methodology, culture of the organism is another option. Selected by the State and TAHC as the primary testing facilities, TVMDL’s full-service laboratories offer both testing options.
Additional Tips
- Ensure the owner’s email address is listed on the TVMDL Submission Form. With this, owners will receive reports along with the submitting veterinarian.
- In the clinical history section of the TVMDL Submission Form, indicate if the sample was incubated prior to shipping. If incubated, listed the amount of time.