The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is committed to assisting the dairy industry as it navigates recent testing requirements enacted by the USDA.
It is critical samples are submitted to TVMDL properly packaged with thoroughly completed paperwork to mitigate any potential delays in testing.
TVMDL recommends all dairy samples submitted for movement testing meet the following criteria to assist in timely accessioning and testing:
- Submitters must include a TVMDL Submission Form with all fields completed, including all signalment and the Premises ID.
- Specify the submission is for required movement testing by writing “movement” at the top of the form.
- For testing, request: Influenza A Virus Matrix (rtPCR) Test Code: 1292
- For accessions with multiple animals, complete the Specimen Import Spreadsheet to organize animal information. Once complete, email it to bovinehpaimovement@tvmdl.tamu.edu and indicate whether samples are being sent to the College Station or Canyon laboratory.
- Collect 5-10 mL of milk in a milk collection tube or a red top tube with no additives. For shipping, bag labeled samples, place in a Styrofoam container with ample absorbent and cushioning material and cold packs. Place in a larger cardboard container.
- TVMDL strongly recommends using a courier service, such as FedEx or UPS for shipment. Due to the College Station and Canyon labs’ on-campus locations, all mail sent via USPS is sorted through postal hubs prior to delivery at the lab, delaying the shipment’s arrival.
- Email TVMDL at bovinehpaimovement@tvmdl.tamu.edu to give notice of your pending shipment. Once notified, TVMDL will prepare testing supplies so samples can be tested as quick as possible once they arrive at the lab.
- Non-milk samples for testing that does not fall under the USDA movement requirements should be submitted separately.
Testing will be performed in the order in which submissions are received. Dairy samples submitted for movement testing are excluded from TVMDL’s STAT testing option.
For questions related to dairy cattle movement testing, email bovinehpaimovement@tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station laboratory at 979.845.3414 or the Canyon laboratory at 806.651.7478. Additional guidance from the USDA can be found in their recommendations and requirements for the federal movement order.