Name: Rabies Virus qPCR
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 40.65 EUR

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Rabies Virus qPCR

Pathogen test The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Rabies virus. Sample 1 swab - saliva - dry swab 5mL - blood - K3 EDTA...

€40.65

Sample Requirements

1 swab - saliva - dry swab

5mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube

5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

This qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of the Rabies virus, the causative agent of rabies.

Molecular detection by qPCR is a highly sensitive method for identifying the presence of viral DNA in clinical samples and can support the diagnosis of suspected rabies infection.

Why test?

Testing is recommended to:

Support the diagnosis of suspected rabies infection.
Investigate horses presenting neurological signs compatible with rabies.
Differentiate rabies from other neurological diseases.
Assist veterinarians in rapid disease management and biosecurity measures.

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 appropriate sample.

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send your samples by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

📄 Receive Results: Get your laboratory report by email.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs can be subtle and could include:

Sudden change in behaviour (depression to manic);
Lameness or being unable to rise;
Head-pressing and circling;
Pain or difficulty urinating;
Muscle tremors or convulsions;
Persistent and painful erection in absence of sexual interest;
Loss of appetite;
Appearance of choke;
Neurologic signs such as incoordination and paralysis; and
Sudden death can also be seen on occasion.

Transmission

We see an increased incidence of rabies infections in horses and other livestock in the late summer and fall when wildlife populations peak. Horses contract rabies through the bite of an infected (rabid) animal, such as a raccoon, fox, skunk or bat. A horse’s curiosity can get the best of him, with bites typically occurring on the horse’s face and muzzle or lower limbs. Most exposures aren’t noticed and most bite wounds aren’t found. Since wildlife may enter barns (especially at night), both horses in stalls and those on pasture are at risk of exposure.
Due to the serious threat for human exposure when handling a horse with rabies, any suspected case of equine rabies should be handled as if it were positive until proven otherwise. You may become infected with the rabies virus through contact with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from a rabid animal. Individuals who have been in contact with a horse since the onset of clinical signs should immediately consult with their physician regarding medical treatment.

Prevention

Horse owners can take advantage of some basic husbandry practices and good common sense to help reduce the risk factors that can contribute to disease incidence. One thing that all of us can do is to keep our feed storage areas neat and clean. Untidy areas with spilled feed invites unwanted guests such as opossums.
Keep your feed in sealed or closed containers.
Cover your hay storage area if possible.
Keep rodents under control on your property.
Discourage visits by opossums.
Check with local authorities with respect to trapping and relocating opossums or eliminating them.
Properly dispose of any animal carcasses that you may see on or near your property.
Clean your equine water sources on a regular basis.
Do not feed on the ground.
When transporting horses, make them as comfortable as possible.

Results

The qPCR test reports one of the following outcomes:

Negative: No Rabies virus DNA was detected in the submitted sample.

Positive: Rabies virus DNA was detected, indicating the presence of viral genetic material consistent with rabies infection.

Results should always be interpreted together with the horse's clinical signs, history and veterinary assessment.

Additional information

Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system of all mammals, including horses and humans. Infection is usually acquired through the bite of an infected animal, with the virus travelling along peripheral nerves to the brain.

Clinical signs may include behavioural changes, incoordination, paralysis, muscle tremors, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation and sudden death. Once clinical signs develop, the disease is almost invariably fatal.

Because rabies is a zoonotic disease, any suspected case should be handled with extreme caution and reported according to local veterinary and public health regulations.

Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure in areas where rabies is present.

FAQs

Which samples can be submitted?

The test can be performed using a saliva swab, 5 mL of blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube, or 5 mL of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected in a sterile tube.

What does the qPCR test detect?

The test detects the DNA of the Rabies virus in the submitted sample.

When is this test recommended?

It is recommended for horses showing neurological signs compatible with rabies or when infection is suspected following exposure to a potentially rabid animal.

Is rabies transmissible to humans?

Yes. Rabies is a zoonotic disease. Suspected cases should only be handled by trained personnel using appropriate protective measures.

When will I receive my results?

Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.