New Tuberculosis Testing Option for Cervid Producers

Historically, the single cervical tuberculin skin test (SCT) and the comparative cervical tuberculin skin test (CCT) have been the only approved official test for M. bovis in captive cervids. But cervid producers have pointed out the hazards associated with the handling of captive cervids for tuberculin skin testing and hesitate to repeat the process twice for a tuberculosis skin test. A TB test requiring only one handling event would decrease animal stress and injury and increase the acceptability of testing to the cervid industry. The availability of a more rapid testing option not only benefits the cervid industry, but also promotes additional testing, providing the TB program with new information on the identification and control of TB.

The newly approved testing methods are based on serological test, and therefore a blood sample must be collected from the animal. Only Designated Accredited Veterinarians (DAVs), who have received training specific to sample collection and submission are authorized to submit samples for testing. If your veterinarian is not already a DAV, they can become a DAV via additional training from their local APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer. The DAV’s training will include such topics as the application of official identification; the proper collection, handling, packaging and shipping of samples; and the proper completion of the laboratory submission forms and tuberculosis testing forms.

Testing for cervid samples for bovine TB at NVSL will begin on February 4, 2013.

APHIS will be holding a webinar on the CervidTB Stat-Pak Antibody Test Kit on Thursday, January 31, 2013, per the following time zones:

1 p.m. (MST); 2 p.m. (CST); 3 p.m. (EST); and 12 p.m. (PST)

This call is intended for private practitioners, cervid producers, and others who are interested in learning more. To participate, please follow the link below or copy and paste in your browser for the PowerPoint presentation: https://foodshield.connectsolutions.com/r19656980/

For the audio portion of the webinar, please dial: 888-858-2144, Passcode: 6862206#

This Webinar will be recorded for future viewing and its availability will be published. For more information and materials, please visit our website at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/tuberculosis/

Source: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAAPHIS-698f93