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Animal Health Diagnostic Center

Improving the health of animals, animal populations and wildlife

Porcine Diagnostic Plans and Panels

The following diagnostic plans have been developed primarily as an educational tool to assist the veterinarian in designing a complete, although not exhaustive, diagnostic strategy. To encourage veterinarians to select only the tests that are deemed clinically appropriate in each situation, the price of the diagnostic plan is not discounted from the sum of the individual test costs.

For the test groupings labeled as panels, there may be a discounted price versus the costs of the individual tests. Diagnostic plans and panels can be requested by writing the complete name as the test request. If appropriate samples are included all tests will be performed.

Antimicrobial susceptibilities for culture isolates are available upon request at an additional charge.

Print Plans and Panels

Dermatology Diagnostic Plan

All skin biopsy submissions should be accompanied by a Dermatohistopathology Submission Form.

Deep lesion

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER
  • (2) fresh skin biopsies in plain red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline to keep moist (not wet)
  • +/- Swab from deep in tissue placed in aerobic transport media (Amies with charcoal)
Fungal Culture FUNGCM
  • (2) fresh skin biopsies in plain red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline to keep moist (not wet)
  • +/- Swab from deep in tissue placed in aerobic transport media (Amies with charcoal)
Fungal KOH Fluorescent Stain FUNGKOH
  • Nails, skin scrapings or 10-12 hairs from border of lesion
  • Fresh tissue or bodily fluids (systemic fungi/yeast)
  • Prepared slide
Gram Stain GRAM
  • (2) fresh skin biopsies in plain red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline to keep moist (not wet)
Histopathology (biopsy) HISTO
  • Multiple formalin fixed skin biopsies.

Superficial lesion

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Fungal Culture FUNGCM
  • (1) hair and skin scraping for fungal culture and gram stain sent in a sealable paper envelope
Fungal KOH Fluorescent Stain FUNGKOH
  • Nails, skin scrapings or 10-12 hairs from border of lesion
  • Fresh tissue or bodily fluids (systemic fungi/yeast)
  • Prepared slide
Gram Stain GRAM
  • (1) hair and skin scraping for fungal culture and gram stain sent in a sealable paper envelope
Histopathology (biopsy) HISTO
  • Multiple formalin fixed skin biopsies.
Skin Scraping SSE
  • (1) skin scraping for ectoparasite identification in an escape proof, nonporous container

Notes

Deep lesion samples: Ship chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.

Superficial lesion samples: Ship at room temperature and protect from temperature extremes. Protect slides from formalin exposure.

Porcine Abortion Fetal Tissue Diagnostic Plan

Please note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia and SIV. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
(3) Aerobic Bacterial Culture
Listeria included 		AER
  • Submit 3 fresh tissue samples: placenta, lung, and stomach contents - labeled and individually bagged; for individual aerobic culture
Histopathology HISTO
  • Formalin fixed tissue: placenta, liver, lung, brain, adrenal, heart, thymus, small intestine, kidney, fetal skin
(2) Leptospira PCR LEPTPCR
  • Submit 2 fresh tissue samples: placenta including cotyledons and fetal kidney; stomach contents acceptable

Porcine Circovirus Type 2 FA

PCV2FA
  • Fresh tissue: heart (preferred), lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Porcine Parvovirus FA PPARVFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, intestine, lymph nodes, spleen
Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome FA (PRRSV) PRRSFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Virus Isolation VI
  • Fresh tissue: lung, thoracic fluid, placenta, stomach contents, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, adrenal, skin, intestine, Heart blood (serum), peritoneal, pleural, or pericardial fluid in sterile red top tube.

Notes

Ship fresh tissue chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.

If indicated, add Virus Isolation (VI) on Fresh tissue: lung, placenta including cotyledons, abomasal contents, kidney, liver, heart, adrenal, skin. 

For cases with mummified fetuses you may also want to consider Porcine Parvovirus HI and Porcine Circovirus-2 IFA on fetal heart blood. For comprehensive rule out of PRRSV, the PCR is recommended on lung and/or thoracic fluid. If abortion is suspected to be related to ventilation then carbon monoxide testing on heart blood in an EDTA tube or a red top or thoracic fluid is recommended.

Porcine Diarrhea, Nursing Pigs Diagnostic Plan

Please note that accurate diagnosis of diarrhea in nursing pigs usually requires submission of tissues. Results of tests on feces or fecal swabs only, must be evaluated with consideration of clinical signs. Accurate diagnosis requires the detection of the agent(s) as well as compatible histologic lesions from post mortem samples.

Please also note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia and SIV. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Ante mortem

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Alpha Coronavirus (TGEV) PCR ACOR
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • Fecal swab in anaerobic transport media shipped at room temperature
Clostridium difficile Toxins (A/B) CLDT
  • Fresh feces refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin CLPT
  • Fresh feces refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Fecal Floatation
(if ≥ 3 days old) 		FLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Rotavirus Antigen Detection Group A RLA
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Salmonella culture SALM
  • Fecal swab placed in Amies transport media
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Selenium, whole blood SEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)

Necropsy

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER

To Diagnose Septicemia

  • Lung, kidney, spleen, lymph node (tracheobronchial preferred)
Alpha Coronavirus (TGEV) PCR ACOR
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh) 
  • Fecal swab in viral transport media or red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • Intestinal swab or fecal swab in anaerobic transport media shipped at room temperature
  • Tied off loop of bowel refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Clostridium difficile Toxins (A/B) CLDT
  • Feces or intestinal contents refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
  • Tied off loop of bowel refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin CLPT
  • Feces or intestinal contents refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
  • Tied off loop of bowel refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Fecal Floatation
(if ≥ 3 days old) 		FLOAT
  • Fresh feces or colon contents in leak-proof container
Histopathology HISTO
  • Formalin-fixed tissue: full set of tissues (including multiple sections of intestinal tract)
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 FA PCV2FA
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome FA PRRSFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Rotavirus FA-Any Species ROTAFA
  • Fresh small intestine
Salmonella culture SALM
  • Intestinal swab or fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh tied off loop of bowel (ileum or jejunum) in sterile container
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Selenium, tissue NCRJ
  • Fresh liver
Virus Isolation VI
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)

Notes

*Additional diagnostics to consider at the AHDC:
-Clostridium perfringens genotyping PCR for identification of the genes for specific toxins if Clostridium perfringens is isolated.
-Cryptosporidium ELISA on piglets 1-6 months old (test performed on fresh feces).

*Additional diagnostics to consider at Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory:
-Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/ Porcine deltacoronavirus/ Transmissible gastroenteritis virus multiplex PCR. 
-If E. coli is a differential, consider referral of feces or tied off loop of intestine to Iowa State for aerobic culture and Porcine Escherichia coli genotyping PCR to further identify which genes for which adhesins and toxins are present. 
-PRRS PCR, as this test is more sensitive than the PRRS FA. 

Ship chilled and keep frozen samples frozen except for Port-a-cul™ or Anaerobic Systems ATM and Parapak® which should be kept at room temperature. Protect fixed tissue from freezing.

Porcine Diarrhea, Weaned Pigs Diagnostic Plan

Please note that accurate diagnosis of diarrhea in weaned pigs usually requires submission of tissues. Results of tests on feces or fecal swabs only, must be evaluated with consideration of clinical signs. Accurate diagnosis requires the detection of the agent(s) as well as compatible histologic lesions from post mortem samples.

Please also note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia, SIV, and PED. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Ante mortem

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Alpha Coronavirus (TGEV) PCR ACOR
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • Fecal swab in anaerobic transport media shipped at room temperature
Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin CLPT
  • Fresh feces refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Fecal Floatation FLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Lawsonia PCR LAWPCR
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Rotavirus Antigen Detection Group A RLA
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Salmonella culture SALM
  • Fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Selenium, whole blood SEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Yersinia culture YERS
  • Fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery

Necropsy

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER
  • To Diagnose Septicemia; lung, kidney, spleen, lymph node (tracheobronchial preferred)
Alpha Coronavirus (TGEV) PCR ACOR
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • Intestinal swab or fecal swab in anaerobic transport media shipped at room temperature
  • Tied off loop of bowel refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin CLPT
  • Feces or intestinal contents refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
  • Tied off loop of bowel refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Fecal Floatation FLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Histopathology HISTO
  • Full set of formalin fixed tissues (including multiple sections of intestinal tract)
Lawsonia PCR LAWPCR
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 FA PCV2FA
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome FA PRRSFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Rotavirus FA-Any Species ROTAFA
  • Fresh small intestine
Salmonella culture SALM
  • Fecal swab or intestinal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh tied off loop of bowel (ileum or jejunum) in sterile container
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Selenium, tissue NCRJ
  • Fresh liver
Virus Isolation VI
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
Yersinia culture YERS
  • Intestinal swab or fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh fecal sample in leak-proof sterile container
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (ileum or jejunum) in sterile container

Notes

*Additional diagnostics to consider at the AHDC:
-Clostridium perfringens genotyping PCR for identification of the genes for specific toxins if Clostridium perfringens is isolated.
-Cryptosporidium ELISA on piglets 1-6 months old (test performed on fresh feces).

*Additional diagnostics to consider at Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory:
-Brachyspira culture and/or Brachyspira PCR to further characterize the isolate.
-Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/ Porcine deltacoronavirus/ Transmissible gastroenteritis virus multiplex PCR. 
-If E. coli is a differential, consider referral of feces or tied off loop of intestine to Iowa State for aerobic culture and Porcine Escherichia coli genotyping PCR to further identify which genes for which adhesins and toxins are present.

Ship chilled and keep frozen samples frozen except for Port-a-cul™ or Anaerobic Systems ATM and Parapak® which should be kept at room temperature. Protect fixed tissue from freezing.

Porcine Multisystemic Disease Diagnostic Plan

Please note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia, SIV, and PED. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • +/- Intestinal swab placed in aerobic transport media
  • Fresh tissue: brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, intestine
  • Joint fluid in red top tube
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Alpha Coronavirus (TGEV) PCR ACOR
  • Fresh tissue: brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, intestine
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • +/- Intestinal swab placed in anaerobic transport media
  • Fresh tissue: brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, intestine
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Clostridium difficile Toxins (A/B) CLDT
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin CLPT
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Fecal Floatation FLOAT
  • Fresh feces or colon contents in leak-proof container
Histopathology HISTO
  • Full set of formalin fixed tissues (including multiple sections of intestinal tract)
Lawsonia PCR LAWPCR
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Mycoplasma Culture MYCOPL
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • Fresh tissue: lung
  • Joint fluid in red top tube
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 FA PCV2FA
  • Fresh tissue: brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, intestine
Porcine Parvovirus FA PPARVFA
  • Fresh lung, intestine, lymph nodes, spleen
Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome PRRSFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Group A RLA
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Rotavirus FA-Any Species ROTAFA
  • Fresh small intestine
Salmonella culture SALM
  • +/- Intestinal swab placed in anaerobic transport media
  • Fresh tissue: brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, intestine
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)
Selenium, tissue NCRJ
  • Fresh liver
Swine Influenza Virus PCR SIPCR
  • Fresh tissue: lung
Tracheal Wash Cytology TWE
  • Tracheal wash fluid in EDTA
  • Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred)
  • Also submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated. 
Virus Isolation VI
  • Fresh tissue: brain, lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, intestine
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (fresh)
  • Tied off loop of bowel with contents (frozen)

Notes

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Brachyspira culture*, Mycoplasma hyorhinis PCR, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae PCR, Porcine Circovirus type 2 PCR*, Porcine Cytomegalovirus PCR*, Porcine Delta Coronavirus PCR*, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) PCR*, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome PCR*, and Pseudorabies PCR. These referral diagnostics must be sent directly to their respective diagnostic testing laboratory for out of state submissions and those cases that are not under NY state contract. Visit our referral testing web page for referral lab contact information. Please contact the AHDC Veterinary Support Services team with any questions (vetsupport@cornell.edu, 607.253.3900).

Ship chilled and keep frozen samples frozen except for Port-a-cul™ and anaerobic transport systems atm which should be kept at room temperature. Protect fixed tissue from freezing.

If toxins are suspected a full toxicology set of tissues should be collected.

Porcine Neurologic Diagnostic Plan

Please strongly consider rabies testing at your state health department.

Please note that Classical Swine Fever should also be considered if the signs are appropriate. If so, the proper state health officials should be notified immediately in order to initiate testing.

Please also note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia and SIV. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER
  • (1) swab inoculated with CSF
  • (1) swab of meninges prior to contamination and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies with charcoal)
  • CSF sample taken using sterile technique and placed in aerobic blood culture media (preferred) or in sterile red top tube
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology CSFE
  • CSF in EDTA (purple top tube)
Histopathology HISTO
  • Full set of fixed tissues placed in formalin, including multiple sections of brain and spinal cord
Lead, blood BDLEAD
  • EDTA or Heparin whole blood (lavender or green top tube)
Lead, tissue NCOX
  • Fresh liver in sterile container
Listeria Culture LISTCUL
  • Fresh brain (preferably brainstem and cerebellum) placed in sterile container
Mineral/Electrolytes Panel MINLY P
  • Serum or heparinized plasma (separated)
Mineral Panel (Tissue) MINP
  • To diagnose hypernatremia postmortem
  • Fresh brain (preferably brainstem) placed in sterile container
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 FA PCV2FA
  • Fresh brain (preferably brainstem and cerebellum) placed in sterile container
Porcine Hemagglutination Encephalitis Virus FA HEVFA
  • Fresh brain, spinal cord
Porcine Parvovirus FA PPARVFA
  • Fresh lung, intestine, lymph nodes, spleen
Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome FA PRRSFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Salmonella culture SALM
  • (1) swab inoculated with CSF
  • (1) swab of meninges prior to contamination and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies with charcoal)
  • CSF sample taken using sterile technique and placed in sterile red top tube
Selenium, whole blood SEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Selenium, tissue NCRJ
  • Fresh liver
Virus Isolation VI
  • Fresh brain (preferably brainstem and cerebellum) placed in sterile container

Notes

May also want to consider Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology which requires CSF in EDTA tube (LTT) and (2) air dried slides of CSF. Protect slides from formalin exposure. If salt toxicity is a possibility, consider a mineral panel on fresh brain.

May be useful to check selenium level on an EDTA whole blood sample.

If whole head is submitted, a rabies brain extraction fee will be applied. Please submit completed NYS rabies specimen history form and write out clear instructions on what additional diagnostic tests should be performed.

Ship chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing. Please indicate if rabies testing is pending. See tissues for rabies diagnosis for photos of brain samples needed for rabies testing. If toxins are suspected a full toxicology set of tissues should be collected.

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Pseudorabies PCR. These referral diagnostics must be sent directly to their respective diagnostic testing laboratory for out of state submissions and those cases that are not under NY state contract. Visit our referral testing web page for referral lab contact information. Please contact the AHDC Veterinary Support Services team with any questions (vetsupport@cornell.edu, 607.253.3900).

Porcine Respiratory Diagnostic Plan

Please note that accurate diagnosis of respiratory disease in pigs usually requires submission of tissues. Results of tests on nasal/pharyngeal swabs only, must be evaluated with consideration of clinical signs. Accurate diagnosis requires the detection of the agent(s) as wells as compatible histologic lesions from post mortem samples.

Please also note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia, SIV and PED. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Ante mortem

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in red top tube
  • Nasal or pharyngeal swabs in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
Alpha Coronavirus (PRCV) PCR ACOR
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in red top tube
  • Nasal or pharyngeal swabs in viral transport media or a red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • Swab of transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred sample) or swab of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in anaerobic transport media
Mycoplasma Culture MYCOPL
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in red top tube
  • Nasal or pharyngeal swabs in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
Selenium, whole blood SEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Swine Influenza Virus PCR SIPCR
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in red top tube
  • Nasal or pharyngeal swabs in viral transport media or a red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline
  • Oral fluid
Tracheal Wash Cytology TWE
  • Tracheal wash fluid in EDTA
  • Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred)
  • Also submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated. 
Virus Isolation VI
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in red top tube
  • Nasal or pharyngeal swabs in viral transport media or a red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline
  • Oral fluid

Necropsy

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • Section of fresh lung
Aerobic Bacterial Culture AER

To Diagnose Septicemia

  • Kidney, spleen, lymph node (tracheobronchial preferred)
Alpha Coronavirus (PRCV) PCR ACOR
  • Nasal swab in red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline (PRCV is more readily detected from nasal swabs than from lung tissue)
  • Section of fresh lung
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture ANAER
  • Fresh lung (>2-3 cm in diameter, minimum size)
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue aseptically collected and immediately placed in anaerobic transport media
Histopathology HISTO
  • Full set of tissues placed in formalin (include nasal turbinate for confirmation of porcine cytomegalovirus)
Mycoplasma Culture MYCOPL
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • Section of fresh lung
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 FA PCV2FA
  • Section of fresh lung
Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome FA PRRSFA
  • Fresh tissue: lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, placenta, small intestine
Selenium, tissue NCRJ
  • Fresh liver
Swine Influenza Virus PCR SIPCR
  • Section of fresh lung
Virus Isolation VI
  • Section of fresh lung
  • Tonsil

Notes

Ship fresh tissue and swabs chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae PCR*, Porcine Respiratory Coronavirus (TGEV) ELISA*, Porcine Circovirus type 2 PCR*, Porcine Cytomegalovirus PCR*, and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome PCR*. These referral diagnostics must be sent directly to their respective diagnostic testing laboratory for out of state submissions and those cases that are not under NY state contract. Visit our referral testing web page for referral lab contact information. Please contact the AHDC Veterinary Support Services team with any questions (vetsupport@cornell.edu, 607.253.3900).

Porcine Sow Abortion Serology Diagnostic Plan

It is recommended to perform the porcine abortion fetal tissue diagnostic plan in addition to this plan. Please note that oral fluid makes a great sample for monitoring certain circulating pathogens in swine populations such as PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma pneumonia and SIV. More information on collecting, shipping and testing oral fluid is available through Iowa State University.

Tests Performed Test Code Samples Needed
Brucella Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test BAPA
  • Maternal serum (separated)
Leptospira MAT, 5 standard serovars LEPTO
  • Maternal serum (separated)
Selenium, whole blood SEL
  • Maternal EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube

Notes

* For cases with mummified fetuses you may also want to do a Porcine Circovirus-2 IFA on sow’s serum.

Ship chilled.

Serum should be collected from additional sick cohort sows for PCR for PCV2 and PRRSV.

When acute samples are received, the serologic assays will be run at that time, and samples retained. If second, convalescent samples are later submitted, please note the accession number for the acute serology. Tests on both samples will be run in parallel and paired results should be interpreted. No fee will be applied to the second test performed on the acute sample at the time of the paired testing.

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Porcine Circovirus type 2 PCR*, Porcine Parvovirus HI*, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome ELISA and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome PCR*. These referral diagnostics must be sent directly to their respective diagnostic testing laboratory for out of state submissions and those cases that are not under NY state contract. Visit our referral testing web page for referral lab contact information. Please contact the AHDC Veterinary Support Services team with any questions (vetsupport@cornell.edu, 607.253.3900).