The MU VMDL offers two different options for postmortem CWD testing: ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). See below for additional information about the available testing.

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Guidelines for Postmortem Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Testing at the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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How do I decide which test I need? Should I request ELISA or IHC?

Captive cervids from herds enrolled in the Federal CWD Herd Certification Program (HCP) must be tested by IHC. Both obex and retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) must be collected by a certified sampler or veterinarian and fixed in formalin prior to shipment to the laboratory.

Wild/free-ranging cervids or cervids from Missouri hunting preserves may be tested by ELISA. Positive ELISA must be confirmed by IHC. Missouri guidelines for white-tailed deer require only retropharyngeal lymph node be tested. Free-ranging elk may also be tested by ELISA, but both obex and retropharyngeal lymph node must be submitted fresh or frozen for testing.

What are the differences in price, turnaround time, sample type, etc.?

	CWD IHC	CWD ELISA
Testing Section	Histology	Serology
Price	$45.00 for both obex + RPLN	$22.50 per sample
Sample Type	Formalin fixed tissue	Fresh or frozen tissue
Turnaround Time*	10 business days or less (set up every other week)	5 business days or less (set up once a week)
Shipping Requirements	Room temperature, expedited shipping not required	On ice via expedited courier (preferably overnight)

*Note: Turnaround times may be longer during high volume seasons.

What if I’m not a certified sampler? Will the MU VMDL accept whole heads and collect the appropriate samples for me?

Yes, the MU VMDL will accept heads for CWD testing. A $35 dissection fee will apply in addition to the testing charges for each head submitted. Note: ear with official ID tag must be included.

Who should I contact with questions?

For questions regarding the CWD HCP or to become a certified sampler, please contact Missouri Department of Agriculture Epidemiologist, Dr. Sarah Reinkemeyer (Sarah.Reinkemeyer@mda.mo.gov).

For questions regarding laboratory testing at the MU VMDL, please call 573-882-6811.

Our neighbors at the Canine Genetic Disease Testing Lab can help! They offer DNA testing for DM and several other diseases. You can find more information on sample submission, shipping, and cost of testing on their website at: www.CanineGeneticDiseases.net

For other questions or inquiries, please contact Liz Hansen at 573-884-3712 or HansenL@missouri.edu

Unfortunately, the MU VMDL cannot provide updates on samples submitted for DM or other genetic testing, as these tests are not performed by our laboratory.

There is no evidence that humans can get COVID-19 from pets or livestock.

 

Testing Pets for COVID-19:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) agree that there is no need to routinely test companion animals for COVID-19 at this time.
  • In agreement with these recommendations, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) will not authorize testing of the general companion animal population.
• The decision to test an animal must be authorized by Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg or, in the event he is unavailable, Missouri Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Jean Schmidt, in conjunction with Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Howard Pue or, in the event he is unavailable, OVPH Senior Epidemiology Specialist Molly Baker.
• The Missouri state and public health veterinarians can only authorize testing of Missouri origin animals.

Authorization for testing will be conducted on a case-by-case basis:

• When requested by a private veterinarian who is reporting:
• A new, concerning illness that cannot be otherwise explained, AND
• The companion animal has had close contact with a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, AND
• That testing for infectious diseases that commonly cause companion animal illness has been conducted to rule out COVID-19.
• When requested by academic institutions for the purpose of research:
  • The proposal, sampling criteria, animal species and scope of the project will be outlined prior to authorization.
  • Researchers will establish an endpoint for each study in conjunction with MDA based upon time and date or number of animals/households tested.
  • If the scope of the project, the testing criteria, or the endpoint changes, the state veterinarian must authorize those changes.
  • Researchers must obtain institutional approval prior to the start of their project.

Veterinarian Authorization:

• Once the decision is made to test, the state veterinarian will authorize and designate a state-appointed veterinarian, USDA accredited veterinarian, or foreign animal disease diagnostician (FADD) to collect the sample using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Sample collection methods will be verified with guidance from the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
• Official sampling will follow USDA guidance.

Laboratory and Reporting:

• The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory will conduct initial animal testing and provide test kits to authorized veterinarians.
• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) detection in any animal is reportable per OIE guidance.
• Positive results
  • Will require confirmation through additional testing by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL).
  • Will only be reported publicly when confirmed by NVSL and information has been communicated with the Missouri state veterinarian and the public health veterinarian.
  • MDA will communicate the information to USDA, AVMA, CDC and National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials (NASAHO) and work with those groups for unified messaging.

Management of animals in COVID-19 positive households:

• MDA will default to AVMA guidance and CDC’s guidance concerning the management of animals in shelters and households in which a human has tested positive for COVID-19.
• There is no current guidance available regarding quarantine of test positive dogs, cats or other pets. MDA will follow any guidance provided by the USDA/CDC working group if new information becomes available.
• If an animal has a positive result, MDA will not remove the animal from the home.
• AVMA guidance states that every effort should be made to allow companion animals to continue to co-habitate with their family when possible. However, if temporary sheltering becomes necessary, a number of precautionary steps should be taken including:
  • Dogs should be walked outside for elimination and exercise but direct contact with other companion animals should be avoided as a best practice to protect animal health.
  • Feces should be collected using gloved hands or a bag and disposed of immediately.
  • Ideally, these dogs should be walked in an area that can be readily sanitized in a dedicated area separate from the general animal population.

Important COVID-19 Resources:

• USDA sample procedures
• United States Department of Agriculture FAQ on companion animal testing
• CDC Guidance for managing people in home care and isolation with pets
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• OIE guidance
• National Association State Public Health Veterinarians

MU’s Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab screens harvested deer for chronic wasting disease

The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Missouri is helping to improve the testing of deer in Missouri after continued reports of chronic wasting disease. This illness is found in deer populations and affects the neurologic system, commonly causing chronic weight loss. Chronic wasting disease is fatal in all deer it infects, and left unchecked, has the potential to wipe out Missouri’s white tail deer population. Throughout Missouri, testing for the disease is vital and MU’s lab, housed in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is aiding statewide efforts by providing testing in a timely manner.