Idexx Reference Laboratories of Westbrook, Maine, reported Dec. 8 that it has introduced a canine and feline H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR Test. The test, which is in response to concern about the spread of the virus, is designed to help veterinarians diagnose and manage patients with suspected respiratory infection. To date, H1N1 has been detected in cats, ferrets, pigs and birds, including turkeys. Two dogs in China also recently tested positive for the virus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which cited the Xinhua News Agency on Nov. 28. Specifics of the China cases were not available at press time. “The clinical signs of the H1N1 virus are likely to resemble other canine and feline respiratory infections,” said Christian Leutenegger, DrVetMed, Ph.D., regional head of molecular diagnostics at Idexx Reference Laboratories. “Offering the H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR Test with the Feline Upper Respiratory Disease and Canine Respiratory Disease RealPCR panels will help practitioners identify and differentiate multiple causes of respiratory infection for improved diagnosis and patient management.” The same test is used to detect the virus in cats, dogs and other mammals, including ferrets, according to Dr. Leutenegger. The test uses real-time PCR technology, which detects the RNA of the virus. PCR is a test method that amplifies DNA and has a very high sensitivity and specificity and is commonly used to detect infectious agents such as the H1N1 virus. So far, it is believed that the pets contracted the virus from humans in their households who were sick with influenza-like symptoms. While there is no evidence these pets spread the virus to other animals or people, the potential exists for the H1N1 virus to infect companion animals as a result of close contact with infected family members, according to Idexx Reference Laboratories. Still, the number of H1N1 pet-related cases is relatively small overall. When asked if these numbers are expected to increase, Leutenegger responded, “As testing for a particular infectious disease increases, this normally increases the number of positives detected. We do expect [the number of positive virus cases] to increase as doctors try to deliver the best care possible to their patients.” Idexx Reference Laboratories recommends that veterinarians consider running the test on patients with suspected respiratory disease or those with suspected H1N1 infection. Given the short shedding period of influenza viruses, samples should be submitted for testing within 7 days of the onset of clinical signs to avoid false-negative results, according to the company. Test results are typically available within 72 hours. The test is included with the Feline Upper Respiratory Disease and Canine Respiratory Disease RealPCR panels at no additional cost. A stand-alone test is also available. Click here for details or call 888-433-9987, option 4, option 2. For details on ferret test submissions, call 888-433-9987, option 4, option 4. <HOME>
