Poisonous Plant and Animal Identification

Test informationDetails
Lab sectionToxicology
Test descriptionIdentification of plants and animals (primarily insects)
suspected of being the cause of animal poisoning by
ingestion or other routes of exposure
SpeciesAll; feedstuffs
Submission informationDetails
Sample type

  • Rumen contents
  • Gastrointestinal contents
  • Feedstuffs
  • Plants
  • Insects
  • Animals
  • Water
ContainerSealed leak-proof container
Special submission instructions

  • Provide rumen or gastrointestinal contents (as much as possible) in a leak-proof container. Ship with cold packs.
  • Provide 240-450 (0.5-1 lb.) of feedstuffs or plants in a leak-proof container.
  • If requesting blue-green algae identification:
    • Add 5 ml of test water to 5 ml of 10% formalin.
    • If it is not possible to add formalin to water, submit at least 100 ml of water in a leak-proof container and ship with a cold pack.
    • Indicate on submission form if formalin has or has not been added to the water.
    • Refer to “How to Submit a Sample” for instructions of shipping formalin-containing samples.
Turnaround time4-8 business days