Animal Bytes

May 17, 2012

Rabies Specimen Submission for Large Animals

When submitting samples for rabies testing on large animals, both sides of the brain must be submitted (fresh tissue only). Both sides must be tested for the results to be satisfactory as rabies infection can be unilateral in large animals.

For more detailed information on specimen submission, view the Rabies Specimen Submission Form or call the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at 1-800-605-8787.

Change in Minnesota Import Requirements for Livestock from New Mexico

Vesicular stomatitis confirmed in two New Mexico horses

The first case of vesicular stomatitis (VS) in 2012 was confirmed when two horses in New Mexico tested positive for the disease on April 30. Certificates of veterinary inspection accompanying all equine, cattle, swine, sheep, goats and camelids coming into Minnesota from New Mexico must now include a VS Statement.

The VS statement is as follows: "All animals identified on this health certificate have been examined and found to be free from vesicular stomatitis. During the past 30 days, these animals have neither been exposed to nor located within 10 miles of an area where VS has been diagnosed."

In affected livestock, the incubation period for VS ranges from two to eight days. Symptoms of the disease include excessive salivation, blanched and raised vesicles or blisterlike lesions in the mouth. The blisters can swell and break. The raw tissue left from the bursting vesicles is so painful that affected animals may refuse to eat or drink. Lameness and severe weight loss are sometimes a result.

For more information on VS see the U.S. Department of Agriculture's VS fact sheet or call the Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942.

Electronic Equine Infectious Anemia Test Results

Submitted by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) now has the capability to report Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA or Coggins) test results electronically using Veterinary Services Process Streamlining (VSPS).

Veterinarians will have to create an eAuthentication-Level 2 account for submitting samples through this system. Once this account is created, they will create a VSPS profile with the role of 'accredited veterinarian'. Details about creating eAuth accounts and accredited veterinarian profiles. After an eAuth account is opened, the veterinarian will fill in APHIS Form 513. Once this profile is created, the veterinarian will be able to submit samples through this system.

A PowerPoint presentation showing VSPS training for accredited veterinarians and how to create online Coggins forms is also available.

IMPORTANT: When submitting samples for testing at the VDL, a printed unofficial copy of the Coggins form (VS10-11) should be sent with the submission stating "For electronic processing".

State Veterinarian Receives Outstanding Service Award

Submitted by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
State Veterinarian and Executive Director of the Board of Animal Health Dr. William Hartmann was a recipient of this year's College of Veterinary Medicine Outstanding Service Award.

This award is one of our most prestigious honors and captures the essence of our mission of research, teaching and service to the community. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals from the community for their accomplishments, service, and contributions to veterinary medicine. This award also recognizes those who have devoted their time and talent to make substantial, enduring contributions to the external community and have worked to improve public life and the well-being of society.