Equine Herpesvirus 1/EHV-1 PCR

Test Name: Diagnostic Section: Fee:
Equine Herpesvirus Type 1/EHV-1 neuropathogenic and wild type PCR Molecular Diagnostics  $48.50 *
Species: Set up days: Turn Around Time:
Equine  M, Tu, W, Th, F  24 hours***
Specimen Requirements:    
Neurologic: EDTA whole blood, deep nasal swab, transtracheal wash
Collection Protocol:    
Collect whole blood in EDTA tube, collect nasal swabs in sterile tubes with a few drops of saline.  TTW should be transferred to leak proof tube.  Refrigerate samples.  Do not allow blood to freeze.
Shipping Requirements:    
Refrigerated, leak proof containers.  Overnight shipping recommended 
Additional Information:    
This Allelic Discrimination PCR will differentiate between wild type and neuropathogenic genotypes.  * Fee is $48.50 each for the first 2 tests, each additional test at the same time is $33.50 per test.

(Testing of non-clinical, exposed horses is NOT recommended)

Suspect EHV or EHM case (live horse with clinical disease).

  • Wear disposable gloves and change gloves between each horse
  • Collect whole blood into EDTA and label sample (preferably have an assistant label samples)
  • If a twitch is used to restrain the horse, it must be washed and disinfected between horses
  • Nasal swab collected using Dacron tipped swab with plastic shaft. Swab should be in contact
    with nasal mucosa for at least several seconds. Swabs are available from the Veterinary
    Diagnostic Laboratory. Please call 541-737-3261.
  • Place swab in a sterile tube, add a few drops of saline and label sample.
  • Perform hand hygiene between horses sampled and put on new pair of examination gloves
  • Request the EHV-1 real-time PCR test and virus isolation
  • The real-time PCR test performed by the OSU VDL provides typing of the virus based on the
    DNA polymerase gene distinguishing the neurotropic marker from the non-neurotropic marker
  • Keep samples cool but not frozen and ship by overnight delivery to the following address:

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Oregon State University
134 Magruder Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-4801