About the Test The qPCR test detects the genome (ADN) of Streptococcus equi variant equi, the pathogen (bacteria) responsible for Strangles. Sample Nasopharyngeal swab - dry swab (see AAEP guidelines) Nasal swabs or draining lymph nodes Guttural pouch washes Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days What is Strangles? Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection of horses caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). It is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with contaminated surfaces (for example, horses sharing water buckets). The bacteria colonize the horse’s tonsils and pharynx within hours of infection, and then infect the lymph nodes under and behind the jaw, resulting in abscessation of these structures days later. Horses develop a fever initially, but are typically not contagious during the initial 48-72 hours. Rarely, infection spreads to other parts of the body resulting in abscesses in other organs such as the intestines, kidneys, lungs, spleen, or liver. This is often called “bastard strangles” or metastatic abscessation. A few horses may develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the bacteria with repeated exposure either in the form of infection or vaccination, otherwise known as purpura hemorrhagica. Horses that develop classic clinical signs and are not treated with antibiotics have the potential to develop immune protection for up to five years. Clinical signs Classic clinical signs include a fever (often >103°F or 39.5°C) first, followed by one or more of the following symptoms: depression, thick nasal discharge, and lymph node enlargement under the jaw and/or in the throat latch region. The abscessed lymph nodes may drain externally or into the guttural pouches (blind-end sacs connected to the throat in horses) resulting in nasal discharge. Horses that have been vaccinated for strangles or horses that have previous partial immunity may develop milder signs of upper respiratory tract infection. Bastard strangles cases may develop colic signs, fever, and/or weight loss with or without a history of previous strangles disease or exposure. Horses with purpura hemorrhagica may develop edema of the head, trunk, and/or legs, and broken blood vessels or bruising of the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and nose. Additional signs can include fever, severe depression, and muscle tightness. The severity of symptoms in purpura hemorrhagica cases ranges from mild to life-threatening. Transmission Strangles is caused by oral exposure of a horse to S. equi bacteria. Once within the oral cavity, the bacteria invade the tonsils and subsequently colonize the lymph nodes. Bacteria can be transmitted through contact with pus or nasal discharges from an infected horse, or from contaminated bedding or barn equipment (water troughs, buckets, etc.). Flies may also act as vectors, spreading the bacteria from horse to horse. Under the right conditions, S. equi can survive in the environment for weeks or months. Exposure of a horse to S. equi does not necessarily mean that it will come down with strangles. Factors that influence the risk of disease include dose of bacteria (poor sanitation and direct contact with nasal secretions and pus increase the chance of disease); immune status of horse. Previously exposed horses are often immune to the disease, or do not get as sick as unexposed horses. During the first three to six months of life, foals are often protected by maternal antibodies. Vaccination can also increase resistance to the disease; stress (poor nutrition, overcrowding, lengthy transportation, or pre-existing diseases increase the risk of strangles). Strangles may be transmitted by “silent shedders” who do not display signs of disease. These horses commonly carry the strangles organism in the guttural pouch, an air sac at the back of the horse’s throat. Detection of these animals requires guttural pouch endoscopy (passing an endoscope via the horse’s nose into the guttural pouch). Strangles is most commonly transmitted by acutely ill or recovering horses that are still shedding bacteria in their nasal secretions. Bacterial culture results have a turnaround time of 2 to 3 days. The DNA test known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) takes less than a day. However, it may take an additional 1 to 2 days to send samples to the laboratory. Prevention Biosecurity on the farm is necessary to prevent the spread of disease. Isolate new horses for three weeks prior to introducing them to the rest of the population. Isolate any horse with a fever and signs of strangles. Do not share tack or equipment between sick horses and others. Perform twice daily monitoring of rectal temperatures of all horses in an outbreak to identify new cases. Stop all movement of horses to and from the farm when strangles is identified. Disinfect water buckets daily. Use strict hygiene between horses to reduce the spread of the disease. Ideally, three throat flush samples are obtained from recovering horses and any horses who were in contact with sick horses at approximately weekly intervals and tested for S. equi subsp equi by PCR and culture. Identification of strangles bacteria in clinically recovered horses may mean the guttural pouches have retained some infection. Endoscopy of the guttural pouches provides visualization of any pus or dried debris (chondroids) that harbor the bacteria. A small number of horses will recover from strangles and continue to shed bacteria from the guttural pouch, causing recurrent farm outbreaks. Detection and treatment of these “silent carriers” (S. equi bacteria in guttural pouches) via endoscopy and PCR is essential for preventing disease recurrence on a farm. Discuss vaccination types and recommendations with your veterinarian. Vaccination does not provide 100% immunity against S. equi infection. Vaccination is not recommended during or within two years of a strangles outbreak due to the increased risk of purpura hemorrhagica. View More Info For more detailed information on the Strangles qPCR Test, including sample collection and submission instructions, please visit our website or contact our support team. Visit our website for more details. How It Works Pathogen Testing 🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online. 📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection. ✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects the sample. 📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form here. 📮 Send Samples: Send to our lab by regular mail or express delivery to:Equigerminal LabIPN Incubadora, Rua Pedro Nunes, Ed.C3030-199 Coimbra, PORTUGAL 📄 Receive Results: Get the result certificate by email. If you need assistance, contact us at support@equigerminal.pt. FAQs View FAQs How does the Strangles qPCR test work? The qPCR test detects the DNA of Streptococcus equi variant equi in samples, providing a highly sensitive and specific method for identifying the presence of the bacteria. What types of samples are required for the test? The test can be performed on nasopharyngeal swabs, nasal swabs, draining lymph nodes, and guttural pouch washes. It's important to follow proper sample collection guidelines to ensure accurate results. How long does it take to get the test results? The turnaround time for the qPCR test is typically 2 to 5 working days from the receipt of the sample in the laboratory. What should be done if a horse tests positive for Strangles? Horses that test positive should be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. Follow biosecurity measures and consult with a veterinarian for appropriate treatment and management. How effective are vaccinations in preventing Strangles? Vaccination can reduce the risk of Strangles but does not provide complete immunity. It's most effective in environments where Strangles is a persistent problem. Discuss vaccination options with your veterinarian. What are the signs of purpura hemorrhagica and how is it related to Strangles? Purpura hemorrhagica is an immune-mediated condition that can occur after exposure to S. equi antigens, either through infection or vaccination. Signs include edema, petechial hemorrhages, and sloughing of tissues. Immediate veterinary attention is required.  

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Pathogen test  This is one of the internationally imposed tests in the import/export of live equines or semen/ova and embryos intended for assisted reproduction. PTE029/7 AGID test (Coggins test) to detect antibodies against equine infectious anemia  Equine Infectious Anaemia is a disease listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and countries are obligated to report the occurrence of the disease according to the OIE Code. Sample 5 mL - blood - serum tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Equine Infectious Anemia? Equine infectious anemia is a very old viral disease that affects horses, asses, mules and hinnies worldwide. It is subject to tight controls in the import/export of live equines and their products Clinical signs This infection may have an acute, chronic or sub-clinical (silent) phase. The acute phase characterised by intermittent fever associated with depression, lethargy, increased heart and breathing rates, haemorrhaging, diarrhoea with blood, bleeding wounds that won’t heal, lack of coordination and rapid weight loss. It can also cause petechial haemorrhages of the mucous membranes and general oedema more evident in the legs and jaundice. The chronic phase characterised by recurrent episodes of fever, anaemia and thrombocytopenia (decrease of blood platelets) interspersed with periods of normality. These episodes will be spread out over time. This disease is often fatal during the acute or chronic phase. Should the animal survive the acute and chronic phase, it enters a silent phase with no evident signs of illness for the remainder of its life. In this silent phase the virus persists but the clinical signs are only manifest if the immune system is weakened by another disease, stress or the administration of corticosteroids. Transmission EIA is caused by a lentivirus of the HIV family, the equine infectious anaemia virus. The virus can be passed from one horse to another through fly, or more rarely, mosquito bites, or by direct contact with blood or blood derivative products (serum and/or plasma). Such as, for example, by: sharing objects contaminated with infected blood (needles, branding tools, etc). The virus can also be passed down from mare to foal via the placenta or, more rarely, in the mother’s colostrum or milk. Potentially, the virus can be transmitted by semen. Prevention There is no treatment, cure or vaccine for this infection. Prevention is crucial to avoid it being passed on. Serological tests for EIA must be done for any horse with anaemia and thrombocytopenia of unknown origin. Regular tests must be done on a yearly basis to keep the holding free from EIA. It is advisable to test studs and brood mares every 90 days in the breeding period.    

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Equine Piroplasmosis is a serious tick-borne disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. As a national reference laboratory, Equigerminal is dedicated to providing the most accurate diagnostic services for Equine Piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. At Equigerminal we follow ISO17025 standards. Our facility offers reliable cELISA tests to detect antibodies against these pathogens, ensuring your horses' health and compliance with international trade standards. PTE019/6 cELISA test to detect antibodies against Babesia caballi PTE020/6 cELISA test to detect antibodies against Theileria equi Test Details Pathogens Detected: Antibodies against Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. Sample Requirements: 5 mL of blood, serum, or plasma collected in a dry or EDTA tube. Turnaround Time: Standard Processing: Results within 2-5 working days after sample receipt. When to Choose the cELISA Test The cELISA test is ideal for detecting chronic or inapparent infections, routine screening, and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. It detects antibodies (IgG) 21 days post-exposure. How It Works How It Works 🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online. 📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection. ✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects the sample. 📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form here. 📮 Send Samples: Send to our lab by regular mail or express delivery to:Equigerminal LabRua Pedro Nunes, IPN Incubadora, Edifício C3030-199 Coimbra, PORTUGAL 📄 Receive Results: Get the result certificate by email. If you need assistance, contact us at support@equigerminal.pt. More Info View More Info For more detailed information on the cELISA test for Equine Piroplasmosis, including sample collection and submission instructions, please visit our website or contact our support team. Visit our detailed diagnosis page for more information. FAQs View FAQs How does the cELISA test work? The cELISA test detects antibodies to Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, providing high sensitivity and specificity for identifying chronic or inapparent infections. What types of samples are required for the test? 5 mL of blood, serum, or plasma collected in a dry or EDTA tube. How long does it take to get the test results? The turnaround time is 2-5 working days after the sample is received in the laboratory. What should be done if a horse tests positive for Piroplasmosis? Horses that test positive should be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. Follow biosecurity measures and consult with a veterinarian for appropriate treatment and management. How can Piroplasmosis be prevented? Prevention involves testing and controlling tick exposure, using repellents, acaricides, and regular inspections, controlling and eradicating the tick vector, and quarantining EP-positive animals.  

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Pathogen test  The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of  Trypanosoma equiperdum, the pathogen responsible for Dourine. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Dourine? Dourine is a chronic or acute contagious disease of breeding equids that is transmitted directly from animal to animal during coitus. The causal organism is Trypanosoma equiperdum. Dourine is the only trypanosomosis that is not transmitted by an invertebrate vector. Trypanosoma equiperdum differs from other trypanosomes in that it is primarily a tissue parasite that is rarely detected in the blood. There is no known natural reservoir of the parasite other than infected equids. Clinical signs Dourine is characterised mainly by swelling of the genitalia, cutaneous plaques and neurological signsThe symptoms vary with the virulence of the strain, the nutritional status of the horse, and stress factors. The clinical signs often develop over weeks or months. They frequently wax and wane; relapses may be precipitated by stress. This can occur several times before the animal either dies or experiences an apparent recovery.Genital edema and a mucopurulent discharge are often the first signs. Mares develop a mucopurulent vaginal discharge, and the vulva becomes oedematous; The genital region, perineum and udder may become depigmented. Abortion can occur with more virulent strains. Stallions develop edema of the prepuce and glans penis, and can have a mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. In stallions, the swelling may spread to the scrotum, perineum, ventral abdomen and thorax. Neurological signs can develop soon after the genital edema, or weeks to months later. Restlessness and weight shifting from one leg to another is often followed by progressive weakness, incoordination and, eventually, paralysis. Facial paralysis, which is generally unilateral, may be seen in some animals. Conjunctivitis and keratitis are common, and in some infected herds, ocular disease may be the first sign of dourine. Anemia and intermittent fever may also be found. In addition, dourine results in a progressive loss of condition, predisposing animals to other diseases. Transmission Unlike other trypanosomal infections, dourine is transmitted almost exclusively during breeding. Transmission from stallions to mares is more common, but mares can also transmit the disease to stallions. T. equiperdum can be found in the vaginal secretions of infected mares and the seminal fluid, mucous exudate of the penis, and sheath of stallions. Periodically, the parasites disappear from the genital tract and the animal becomes noninfectious for weeks to months. Non infectious periods are more common late in the disease. Male donkeys can be asymptomatic carriers. Rarely, infected mares pass the infection to their foals, possibly before birth or through the milk. Infections are also thought to occur through mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva. Other means of transmission may also be possible; however, there is currently no evidence that arthropod vectors play any role in transmission. Sexually immature animals that become infected can transmit the organism when they mature. Prevention To prevent dourine from being introduced into a herd or region, new animals should be quarantined and tested by serology. When dourine is found in an area, quarantines and the cessation of breeding can prevent transmission while infected animals are identified. Dourine can be eradicated from a herd, using serology to identify infected equids. Infected animals are euthanised. In some cases, stallions have been castrated to prevent disease transmission; however, geldings can still transmit the disease if they display copulatory behavior. Successful treatment with trypanocidal drugs has been reported in some endemic areas. However, therapeutic regimes have not been thoroughly investigated, and treatment is usually discouraged due to fears that the organism will persist inapparently. Good hygiene should be used at assisted matings. No vaccine is available.

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Pathogen test  The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of  Equine Herpesvirus Type 4 (EHV-4). Molecular detection of EHV-4 by PCR is the most sensitive, specific and accurate tool in assessing the infectivity of an affected horse Sample 1 nasal or nasopharyngeal swab ( see AAEP guidelines)  and 5 mL - K3 EDTA tube 20 gr - placental or foetal tissue - sterile flask Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Herpesvirus Type 4? Equine Herpesvirus Type 4 (EHV-4) is a health risk to equine populations worldwide. Disease severity depends on multiple factors and may be latent in normal horses. And because clinical signs are similar to other respiratory diseases, it is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis from clinical presentation alone. Clinical signs EHV-4 infections are restricted to respiratory tract epithelium and associated lymph nodes, Infection of pregnant mares with EHV-4 strains rarely results in abortion. Like EHV-1 the EHV-4 establish latent infection in the majority of horses, which do not show clinical signs but may experience reactivation of infection and shedding of the virus when stressed. Transmission EHV-4 spread via aerosolised secretions from infected coughing horses, by direct and indirect (fomite) contact with nasal secretions. The most common way for EHV-4 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. This virus is shed from infected horses via the respiratory tract. Horses may appear to be perfectly healthy yet spread the virus via the secretions from their nostrils. It is important to realize that EHV-4 can also be spread indirectly through contact with physical objects contaminated with infectious virus. The air around a horse that is shedding the virus can also be contaminated with infectious virus. Prevention Herd elimination of equine herpesviruses is virtually impossible because of the pervasiveness of the carrier state. Disease prevention, rather than treatment or attempts at eradication, offers the most effective means for controlling herpesvirus and its potential sequelae. Strategies aimed at reducing the economic and welfare impact associated with EHV-1 and EHV-4 respiratory infections include (1) prophylactic immunisation and (2) the implementation of preventive herd management practices. Subdivide horses into the small epidemiologically isolated closed groups. Minimize risks of exogenous and endogenous (stress induced viral reactivation) introduction of EHV-1. Maximize herd immunity through vaccination. Important measures in the case of an EHV-4 outbreak: Disinfection of areas contaminated by virus from the aborted foetus and placental membranes. Isolation of affected horses. Submission of clinical samples to a diagnostic laboratory. Implementation of hygienic procedures to prevent spread of infection (biosecurity).  

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 Pathogen test  The iELISA test detects specific antibodies to Streptococcus equi subs. equi, the pathogen (bacteria) responsible for Strangles. Sample 5 mL, blood in a serum tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Stranglers? Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection of horses caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). It is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with contaminated surfaces (for example horses sharing water buckets). The bacteria colonize the horse’s tonsils and pharynx within hours of infection, and then infect the lymph nodes under and behind the jaw resulting in abscessation of these structures days later. Horses develop a fever initially, but are typically not contagious during the initial 48-72 hours. Rarely, infection spreads to other parts of the body resulting in abscesses in other organs such as the intestines, kidneys, lungs, spleen or liver. This is often called “bastard strangles” or metastatic abscessation. A few horses may develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the bacteria with repeated exposure either in the form of infection or vaccination otherwise known as purpura hemorrhagica. Horses that develop classic clinical signs and are not treated with antibiotics have the potential to develop immune protection up to five years. Clinical signs Classic clinical signs include a fever (often >103°F or 39.5°C) first, followed by one or more of the following symptoms: depression, thick nasal discharge and lymph node enlargement under the jaw and/or in the throat latch region. The abscessed lymph nodes may drain externally or into the guttural pouches (blind-end sacs connected to the throat in horses) resulting in nasal discharge. Horses that have been vaccinated for strangles or horses that have previous partial immunity may develop milder signs of upper respiratory tract infection. Bastard strangles cases may develop colic signs, fever, and/or weight loss with or without a history of previous strangles disease or exposure. Horses with purpura hemorrhagica may develop edema of the head, trunk, and/or legs; and broken blood vessels or bruising of the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes and nose. Additional signs can include fever, severe depression, and muscle tightness. The severity of symptoms in purpura hemorrhagica cases ranges from mild to life-threatening. Transmission Strangles is caused by oral exposure of a horse to S. equi bacteria. Once within the oral cavity, the bacteria invade the tonsils and subsequently colonize the lymph nodes. Bacteria can be transmitted through contact with pus or nasal discharges from an infected horse, or from contaminated bedding or barn equipment (water troughs, buckets, etc.). Flies may also act as vectors, spreading the bacteria from horse to horse. Under the right conditions, S. equi can survive in the environment for weeks or months. Exposure of a horse to S. equi does not necessarily mean that it will come down with strangles. Factors that influence the risk of disease include dose of bacteria (poor sanitation and direct contact with nasal secretions and pus increase the chance of disease); immune status of horse. Previously exposed horses are often immune to the disease, or do not get as sick as unexposed horses. During the first three to six months of life, foals are often protected by maternal antibodies. Vaccination can also increase resistance to the disease; stress (poor nutrition, overcrowding, lengthy transportation or pre-existing diseases increase the risk of strangles). Strangles may be transmitted by “silent shedders” who do not display signs of disease. These horses commonly carry the strangles organism in the guttural pouch, an air sac at the back of the horse’s throat. Detection of these animals requires guttural pouch endoscopy (passing an endoscope via the horse’s nose into the guttual pouch). Strangles is most commonly transmitted by acutely ill or recovering horses that are still shedding bacteria in their nasal secretions. Bacterial culture results have a turnaround time of 2 to 3 days. The DNA test known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) takes less than a day. However, it may take an additional 1 to 2 days to send samples to the laboratory. Prevention Biosecurity on the farm is necessary to prevent spread of disease. Isolate new horses for three weeks prior to introducing them to the rest of the population. Isolate any horse with a fever and signs of strangles. Do not share tack or equipment between sick horses and others Perform twice daily monitoring of rectal temperatures of all horses in an outbreak to identify new cases. Stop all movement of horses to and from farm when strangles is identified. Disinfect water buckets daily. Use strict hygiene between horses to reduce spread of the disease. Ideally, three throat flush samples are obtained from recovering horses and any horses who were in contact with sick horses at approximately weekly intervals and tested for S. equi subsp equi by PCR and culture. Identification of strangles bacteria in clinically recovered horses may mean the guttural pouches have retained some infection. Endoscopy of the guttural pouches provides visualisation of any pus or dried debris (chondroids) that harbor the bacteria. A small number of horses will recover from strangles and continue to shed bacteria from the guttural pouch, causing recurrent farm outbreaks. Detection and treatment of these “silent carriers” (S. equi bacteria in guttural pouches) via endoscopy and PCR is essential for preventing disease recurrence on a farm. Discuss vaccination types and recommendations with your veterinarian. Vaccination does not provide 100% immunity against S. equi infection. Vaccination is not recommended during or within two years of a strangles outbreak due to the increased risk of purpura hemorrhagica.

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Pathogen profile Screening of 5 pathogens responsible for respiratory disease in equines: EHV-1, EHV-4, Equine Influenza, Rhodococcus equi (Pneumonia) and Streptococcus equi (Stranglers).  Our lab is approved by FEI for EHV-1 testing. Sample 1 nasopharyngeal swab ( see AAEP guidelines)  & 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube Turnaround time 2 to 5  working days

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Pathogen test  Two qPCR test, one that detects the genome (DNA) of  Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) and one that detects the genome (DNA) of Equine Herpesvirus Type 4 (EHV-4). Sample 1 nasal or nasopharyngeal swab ( see AAEP guidelines)  and 5 mL - K3 EDTA tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days 24-48h - please contact lab  Our lab is approved by FEI for EHV-1 testing. What is Herpesvirus Type 1? more info here What is Herpesvirus Type 4? more info here

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  Pathogen test  The ELISA test it can, in some cases, replace the Coggins Test, the official test required for trade/import/ export of horses. PTE018/2 ELISA test to detect antibodies against equine infectious anemia virus   Equine Infectious Anaemia is a disease listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and countries are obligated to report the occurrence of the disease according to the OIE Code. Sample 5 mL of blood collected in a dry tube or 2 mL of sera.   Turnaround time Standard processing - Results in 2-5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory. Clients organise and support the costs of sending the samples to the laboratory. PREMIUM processing - Results in 5 hours after sample arrival. Includes free express delivery** . The laboratory organises Express shipping with pick-up of the package at the client's address and delivery at the laboratory. ** PREMIUM SERVICES INCLUDE AN EXPRESS SHIPPING DELIVERY FOR EUROPEAN COUNTRIES FROM NON REMOTE REGIONS. Check here to know if you are in a remote European region. For remote regions EXTRA fees are applied.  What is Equine Infectious Anemia? Equine infectious anemia is a very old viral disease that affects horses, asses, mules and hinnies worldwide. It is subject to tight controls in the import/export of live equines and their products Clinical signs This infection may have an acute, chronic or sub-clinical (silent) phase. The acute phase characterised by intermittent fever associated with depression, lethargy, increased heart and breathing rates, haemorrhaging, diarrhoea with blood, bleeding wounds that won’t heal, lack of coordination and rapid weight loss. It can also cause petechial haemorrhages of the mucous membranes and general oedema more evident in the legs and jaundice. The chronic phase characterised by recurrent episodes of fever, anaemia and thrombocytopenia (decrease of blood platelets) interspersed with periods of normality. These episodes will be spread out over time. This disease is often fatal during the acute or chronic phase. Should the animal survive the acute and chronic phase, it enters a silent phase with no evident signs of illness for the remainder of its life. In this silent phase the virus persists but the clinical signs are only manifest if the immune system is weakened by another disease, stress or the administration of corticosteroids. Transmission EIA is caused by a lentivirus of the HIV family, the equine infectious anaemia virus. The virus can be passed from one horse to another through fly, or more rarely, mosquito bites, or by direct contact with blood or blood derivative products (serum and/or plasma). Such as, for example, by: sharing objects contaminated with infected blood (needles, branding tools, etc). The virus can also be passed down from mare to foal via the placenta or, more rarely, in the mother’s colostrum or milk. Potentially, the virus can be transmitted by semen. Prevention There is no treatment, cure or vaccine for this infection. Prevention is crucial to avoid it being passed on. Serological tests for EIA must be done for any horse with anaemia and thrombocytopenia of unknown origin. Regular tests must be done on a yearly basis to keep the holding free from EIA. It is advisable to test studs and brood mares every 90 days in the breeding period.    

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Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of the Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus (EIAV). This method is used when there are positive/conflicting results on serologic tests. Confirmation of early infection, before serum antibodies to EIAV develop. Equine Infectious Anaemia is a disease listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and countries are obligated to report the occurrence of the disease according to the OIE Code. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube 1 mL - frozen semen or others Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Equine Infectious Anemia? Equine infectious anemia is a very old viral disease that affects horses, asses, mules and hinnies worldwide. It is subject to tight controls in the import/export of live equines and their products Clinical signs This infection may have an acute, chronic or sub-clinical (silent) phase. The acute phase characterised by intermittent fever associated with depression, lethargy, increased heart and breathing rates, haemorrhaging, diarrhoea with blood, bleeding wounds that won’t heal, lack of coordination and rapid weight loss. It can also cause petechial haemorrhages of the mucous membranes and general oedema more evident in the legs and jaundice. The chronic phase characterised by recurrent episodes of fever, anaemia and thrombocytopenia (decrease of blood platelets) interspersed with periods of normality. These episodes will be spread out over time. This disease is often fatal during the acute or chronic phase. Should the animal survive the acute and chronic phase, it enters a silent phase with no evident signs of illness for the remainder of its life. In this silent phase the virus persists but the clinical signs are only manifest if the immune system is weakened by another disease, stress or the administration of corticosteroids. Transmission EIA is caused by a lentivirus of the HIV family, the equine infectious anaemia virus. The virus can be passed from one horse to another through fly, or more rarely, mosquito bites, or by direct contact with blood or blood derivative products (serum and/or plasma). Such as, for example, by: sharing objects contaminated with infected blood (needles, branding tools, etc). The virus can also be passed down from mare to foal via the placenta or, more rarely, in the mother’s colostrum or milk. Potentially, the virus can be transmitted by semen. Prevention There is no treatment, cure or vaccine for this infection. Prevention is crucial to avoid it being passed on. Serological tests for EIA must be done for any horse with anaemia and thrombocytopenia of unknown origin. Regular tests must be done on a yearly basis to keep the holding free from EIA. It is advisable to test studs and brood mares every 90 days in the breeding period.

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Pathogen test  The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of  Trypanosoma evansis, the pathogen responsible for Surra. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Surra? Trypanosoma evansi causes a trypanosomosis known as ‘surra’.This parasite, which has been reported in domestic and wild mammals, can cause considerable economic losses. The trypanosomes reproduce in the blood of the vertebrate host, and the trypomastigote forms are transmitted mechanically by bloodsucking insects from infected to uninfected animals. Surra is the most commonly reported disease in some continents due to the favorable environment for insects. In recent years, several outbreaks or isolated cases have been reported in certain European countries, an atypical region for the disease. Clinical signs The general clinical signs of evansi infections: pyrexia directly associated with parasitaemia together with a progressive anaemia, loss of condition and lassitude are not sufficiently pathognomonic for diagnosis. Recurrent episodes of fever and parasitaemia occur during the course of the disease. Oedema, particularly of the lower parts of the body, urticarial plaques and petechial haemorrhages of the serous membranes are sometimes observed in horses. Abortions have been reported in buffalos and camels. Nervous signs are common in horses. The disease causes immunodeficiencies that may be of high impact when interfering with other diseases or vaccination campaigns. Trypanosomiasis caused by evansi can be clinically confused with other diseases, including equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in the chronic stages. Where surra is suspected, it is important to rule out other causes of equine neurologic disease. Transmission Surra is a non-contagious disease, transmitted only mechanically by several different genera of haematophagous flies. The efficiency of vector transmission is dependent on high intensity of fly challenge, the presence of high numbers of the parasite in the blood of horses, and the close herding of animals that maintains short intervals between successive feeds. The infectivity of a fly is highest within minutes of feeding and drops quickly thereafter, with the loss of ability to reinfect when feeding intervals exceed 8 hours. Wild carnivores and dogs can be infected by ingestion of meat from parasitaemic animals. In Central and South America, The vampire bat can also act as a vector. The disease can be reproduced experimentally by blood inoculation. Prevention There is no vaccine against trypanosomiasis. Therefore, conventional disease control measures are based on the use of curative and preventive drugs to combat the parasite and interventions to control fly populations. Control and eradication of surra from an area is usually depends upon the detection and treatment of infected animals. Protection of susceptible animals from biting flies by smoking and using flies repellants.  

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Pathogen test  The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of  Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen responsible for the Lyme disease or Borreliose. For animals with clinical signs. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that results from infection with members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. These organisms are maintained in wild animals, but they can affect humans and some species of domesticated animals, like horses. Lyme disease has been reported in North America, Europe, Australia and parts of Asia. Clinical signs Clinical signs appear in less than 10% of horses infected with the bacteria. Signs include: Lameness (usually of larger joints) that shifts from limb to limb; Generalised stiffness; Soreness in the large joints and back; Low-grade fever (which may or may not be present); Behavioural changes such as reluctance to work and irritability; Laminitis (occasionally associated with Lyme disease) Horses do not show a skin rash with Lyme disease. Swelling around a tick bite in a horse is generally due to a reaction to the tick’s saliva, not Lyme disease. Transmission The ticks become infected when they feed on rodents such as the white-footed mouse that carry the bacteria. The tick can then pass on this infection when it feeds on another host, such as a horse or deer. The bacteria migrate from the tick to the horse after 12 to 24 hours of attachment. In areas where the incidence of disease is high among people, only about 50% of horses are likely to become infected. Of these horses, less than 1 in 10 develops clinical signs of the disease. The remaining horses either have subclinical infection (carry the antibodies against the bacteria but remain clinically healthy) or their immune systems fight off the bacteria (and these horses carry the antibodies to Lyme disease for up to a year). People can also be infected with Lyme disease, but there is no risk of the disease being transmitted from horses to humans. Prevention Since there is no vaccine available, prevention is focused on control of the tick population: Perform a daily tick examination. Remember that it takes 12 to 24 hours of attachment for bacteria to migrate from the tick to the host. Treat turned out horses with permethrin-based insect repellents during peak adult deer tick seasons: early spring, late summer, and fall. Minimize habitat for ticks and their hosts.  

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