FAQs & Forms

ABOUT: Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic, contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The disease is characterized by abscess formation in or near major peripheral lymph nodes (external form) or within internal organs and lymph nodes (internal form). Although both the external and internal forms of CL occur in sheep and goats, the external form is more common in goats, and the internal form is more common in sheep.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of CL are abscess formation in or near major peripheral lymph nodes (external form) or within internal organs and lymph nodes (internal form).

GETTING TESTED: Sheep and goats blood can be tested for this disease. At least 2 ml of whole blood should be collected in a “red top” vacuum tube. Samples should be refrigerated after collection and be shipped with an ice pack and tested within 2 weeks of the collection date.

ABOUT: Maedi-visna virus (MVV) infection of sheep is characterized by slowly progressive arthritis, pneumonia, mastitis, and encephalomyelitis. MVV infection is found all over the world. This classification also includes Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV), which manifests itself in adult goats mainly in the form of sever arthritis of the Carpal Joint (“Big Knee”).

SYMPTOMS: Animals with CAEV become emaciated despite an intact appetite and show poor milk yield.

PREVENTION: An effective vaccination does not exist. For this reason, eradication programs are based on colostrum deprivation, separation,
and serological detection of infected animals.

GETTING TESTED: Sheep and goat’s blood can be tested for this disease. At least 2 mL of whole blood should be collected in a “red top” vacuum tube. Samples should be refrigerated after collection and be shipped with an ice pack and tested within 2 weeks of the collection date.

ABOUT: Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that infects dairy and beef cattle’s lymphoid tissue, causing malignant lymphoma and lymphosarcoma. It is transmitted primarily through direct contact with infected blood, saliva, semen, and milk.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms may include tumors in lymphoid tissues, enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, decreased milk production, fever, loss of appetite, rear limb weakness or paralysis, protruding eyeballs, gastrointestinal obstructions, and increased blood lymphocyte counts.

PREVENTION: Prevention can include eliminating blood transmission from cow to cow. Also feeding calves pasteurized colostrum and milk and using BLV negative dams for embryo transfer.

GETTING TESTED: Cattle can be tested for this virus. At least 2 ml of whole blood should be collected in a “red top” vacuum tube. Samples should be refrigerated after collection and be shipped with an ice pack and tested within 2 weeks of the collection date.

ABOUT: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) suppresses a cow’s immune system, making the animal susceptible to a host of other infections. That’s why BVDV is one of the world’s most costly bovine diseases, with losses of $15-$88 per head from reduced herd productivity, health, and reproductive efficiency.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of acute infection include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, ocular discharge, nasal discharge oral lesions, diarrhea and decreasing milk production.

PREVENTION: Stopping BVDV requires detecting and removing the infection source: persistently infected (PI) cattle that continually expose other animals to disease. Since PI cattle often look healthy, a sensitive, specific diagnostic test is essential.

GETTING TESTED: At least 2 ml of whole blood should be collected in a “red top” vacuum tube. Samples should be refrigerated after collection and be shipped with an ice pack. Samples should be tested no later than 2 weeks from the collection date.
For ear notch testing, collect a clean tissue notch (approximately 2–3 mm in diameter) from the ear using a sanitized ear notcher. Avoid contamination with dirt, feces, or ink. Place the notch in a sealed, labeled tube and refrigerate immediately. Ship on ice within a day of collection. If longer storage is needed, samples can be frozen until shipment.

ABOUT: Johne’s disease (pronounced “yo-knees”) is a contagious, chronic and usually fatal infection that affects primarily the small intestine of the ruminants. Large (cattle) and small (sheep and goats) ruminants are susceptible to Johne’s disease. Johne’s disease is caused by Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis.

SYMPTOMS: Signs are rarely evident until two or more years after the initial infection, which usually occurs shortly after birth. The signs are long-lasting diarrhea and weight loss despite a good appetite. In goats, diarrhea is less common. Because the symptoms are common with other diseases, the only way to confirm Johne’s disease is through lab testing.

PREVENTION: Since there is no cure for Johne’s disease, control of the infection is crucial. Control of Johne’s disease takes time and a strong commitment to management practices focused on keeping young animals away from contaminated manure, milk, feed, and water.

GETTING TESTED: Cattle, sheep, and goats blood can be tested for this disease. At least 2 mL of whole blood should be collected in a “red top” vacuum tube. Samples should be refrigerated after collection and be shipped with an ice pack and tested within 2 weeks of the collection date.

ABOUT: Neosporosis is a disease caused by the parasite Neospora caninum. In cattle, it is a leading cause of abortion, especially during the middle months of pregnancy. Dogs (and other canids) are the main carriers of the parasite and can pass it to cattle when parasite eggs in their feces contaminate feed, water, or pasture.

SYMPTOMS: In cattle, there are usually no signs before or after abortion; pregnancy loss can occur from 3 months to term, most often between 4–6 months. Calves may be born weak or stillborn.

PREVENTION: Keep dogs and other canids away from cattle feed, water, and calving areas, and avoid contaminated food or water. Test cattle regularly to identify carriers, as the disease can pass from mother to calf.

GETTING TESTED: Cattle can be tested with a simple blood test by collecting at least 2 ml of whole blood in a “red top” vacuum tube. Keep the sample refrigerated, ship it with an ice pack, and test within 2 weeks of collection.
Neospora caninum samples are processed and results reported on Tuesday.

ABOUT: Anaplasmosis is a tick- and insect-borne disease in cattle caused by the blood parasite Anaplasma marginale. It destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia, abortion, weight loss, and death. Outbreaks in herds with no prior exposure can cause major losses.

SYMPTOMS: Loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, weakness, fever, and pale or yellow eyes. Pregnant cows may abort, and severe cases can result in sudden death. Cattle that survive infection carry the parasite for life and can pass it to others, even if they look healthy.

PREVENTION: Control ticks and biting insects, use clean needles and equipment, and quarantine/test new or returning cattle. Avoid mixing positive and negative animals to prevent outbreaks.

GETTING TESTED: Cattle can be tested with a simple blood test by collecting at least 2 ml of whole blood in a “red top” vacuum tube. Keep the sample refrigerated, ship it with an ice pack, and test within 2 weeks of collection.
Anaplasma samples are processed and results reported on Tuesday.

ABOUT: APP is a bacterial disease that causes severe, often fatal pneumonia in pigs. It spreads quickly through direct contact or airborne droplets, especially in crowded barns, and can cause sudden losses and long-term lung damage in survivors.

SYMPTOMS: Pigs may develop a high fever, breathe with difficulty, cough, or stop eating. In acute outbreaks, pigs may die suddenly without obvious signs. Survivors often show slower growth and poor feed conversion.

PREVENTION: Maintain good ventilation, reduce overcrowding, and minimize stress. Follow strict biosecurity.

GETTING TESTED: The APP antibody test detects prior exposure to the bacteria, helping producers identify carrier animals. Collect at least 2 ml of blood in a serum collection (clot activator) tube, refrigerate, and ship with an ice pack.
APP samples are processed and results reported on Thursday.

ABOUT: MHP is the primary cause of enzootic pneumonia in pigs, leading to chronic respiratory disease and economic losses from reduced growth and feed efficiency. It spreads through direct pig-topig contact and can remain in herds for long periods.

SYMPTOMS: Pigs may show a persistent, dry cough, reduced feed intake, and slower weight gain. While mortality is usually low, the condition increases susceptibility to other respiratory infections.

PREVENTION: Maintain strict biosecurity, avoid mixing pigs from different sources, and improve ventilation to reduce dust and ammonia.

GETTING TESTED: The MHP antibody test detects prior exposure to the bacteria, helping monitor herd infection status. Collect at least 2 ml of blood in a serum collection (clot activator) tube, refrigerate, and ship with an ice pack.
MHP samples are processed and results reported on Thursday.

ABOUT: PRRS is a viral disease affecting pigs of all ages, causing reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory disease in young pigs. The virus spreads rapidly through direct contact, aerosols, and contaminated equipment.

SYMPTOMS: Breeding sows may have abortions, stillbirths, or weakborn piglets, while growing pigs may show fever, labored breathing, and reduced growth rates. Mortality can be high in young pigs.

PREVENTION: Implement strict biosecurity, limit herd exposure to outside pigs, and maintain herd stability. Vaccination can help reduce severity but must be paired with management practices.

GETTING TESTED: The PRRS antibody test detects prior exposure, helping monitor herd infection status. Collect at least 2 ml of blood in a serum collection (clot activator) tube, refrigerate, and ship with an ice pack.
PRRS samples are processed and results reported on Thursday.

ABOUT: Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious viral disease causing severe diarrhea and dehydration, particularly dangerous for young piglets. The IgG test detects antibodies indicating prior infection or vaccination.

SYMPTOMS: Piglets under two weeks old may suffer from profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid weight loss, and high mortality. Older pigs typically recover but may experience temporary weight loss.

PREVENTION: Maintain strict biosecurity, disinfect facilities and equipment, and control movement of people and vehicles between farms.

GETTING TESTED: The PEDV-IgG antibody test detects prior exposure. Collect at least 2 ml of blood in a serum collection (clot activator) tube, refrigerate, and ship with an ice pack.
PEDV-IgG samples are processed and results reported on Thursday.

ABOUT: The PEDV IgA antibody test detects antibodies in mucosal immunity, which play a key role in protecting piglets through colostrum and milk. It is especially useful for evaluating sow immunity before farrowing.

SYMPTOMS: Clinical disease is the same as with PEDV IgG— severe diarrhea, dehydration, and high mortality in piglets, with milder illness in older pigs.

PREVENTION: Maintain strict biosecurity.

GETTING TESTED: The PEDV IgA antibody test assesses protective immunity in sows and gilts, ensuring optimal colostrum antibody levels for newborn piglets. Collect at least 2 ml of blood in a serum collection(clot activator) tube or 1 mL of colostrum, refrigerate, and ship with an ice pack.
PEDV-IgA samples are processed and results reported on Thursday.

ABOUT: Lawsonia intracellularis is the bacterium that causes ileitis, a common intestinal disease in pigs. It reduces feed efficiency, slows growth, and can cause sudden deaths in severe cases.

SYMPTOMS: Pigs may show soft, watery diarrhea, reduced appetite, poor weight gain, and in some cases, sudden death from intestinal bleeding.

PREVENTION: Reduce stress, maintain consistent feed supply, and practice all-in/all-out pig flow.

GETTING TESTED: The Lawsonia antibody test detects prior exposure, helping identify infections that may impact herd performance. Collect at least 2 ml of blood in a serum collection (clot activator) tube, refrigerate, and ship with an ice pack.
Lawsonia samples are processed and results reported on Thursday.