Sampling and Submission Aids

The ideal samples are those that are collected within 8-12 hours of fetal expulsion although
samples collected 1-2 days after abortion may still yield useful information. Submit either the
entire fetus and placenta or both fresh and formalin fixed tissues as outlined.

death, however, any sample is better than none and the lab does not charge based on the number of
samples submitted. Both fresh and formalin fixed tissues from any gross lesions and the following tissues
are recommended for submission

The ideal samples for investigation of enteric diseases are those that are collected within 4-8 hours of
death, however, any sample is better than none and the lab does not charge based on the number of
samples submitted. Both fresh and formalin fixed tissues from any gross lesions and the following tissues
are recommended for submission

Sampling Instructions

• Producers should wear disposable gloves to prevent contamination of the sample with bacteria.
• Producers should plan on collecting samples for a minimum of 7 consecutive days. A sample should be collected from every calf feeding during the week.
• Samples must be thoroughly mixed (agitated) prior to collection.
• Milk Replacer samples should be prepared and received in liquid form. The lab will not reconstitute Milk Replacer samples.
• Samples should be collected in a leak proof vial. Vials (2 oz translucent lock top) can be purchased from Nelson Jameson (1-800-826-8302). The catalog number is 170-3206.
• Fill the leak proof vial ½ full with milk or milk replacer.
• Label the vial. Each vial should have the date and time (am, pm) of collection clearly written on it.
• Samples should be placed in a household freezer immediately after collection. Samples can remain in the freezer for up to 14 days before submission to the laboratory.

Shipping Instructions

• Veterinarians should completely fill out the WVDL Milk Submission Form (Total Solids request is included below the Liquid Feed request). An electronic copy of the Milk Submission form is available at the WVDL website: here.
• Request the Total Solids test.
• Package the samples with a sufficient number of ice packs to ensure they remain frozen
during shipment. Warm samples will be rejected.
• Send the samples by the most expeditious means. The laboratory should receive the samples within 24-36 hours. Samples submitted for both solids and bacterial quantification should be sent directly to the WVDL Barron Lab.
• Clients should schedule shipments to avoid weekend and holiday delivery of samples to the laboratory.

Material, equipment, and collections processes for BVD PCR samples - ear notch and nasal swab

Deep nasopharyngeal swabs have been validated as a viable alternative to trans-tracheal wash or bronchial-alveolar lavage in cases of bovine respiratory disease and are superior to nasal swabs especially for Mycoplasma bovis.1,2 The technique is simple and safe to perform and is very reliable.

Bacterial Culture of Colostrum, Calf Milk Replacer (CMR) and Waste Milk
Sampling Instructions

The best samples are collected within 4-8 hours of death, but it’s difficult to predict which cases will
be diagnostic. Please collect both fresh and formalin-fixed tissues from any organ that has gross
lesions.