[Alpacasite] RE: Dr. Tibary and BVDV

There are many tests available, all developed for bovine testing. There is
SN (serum nuetralization - Tpyes 1 and 2 must be tested for separately
although there is a limited cross-reactivity between them.) Eliza, PCR,
and virus isolation. Virus isolation is the gold standard for PI crias, but
must be shipped carefully on ice. Mishandling can result in a false
negative.

The jury is still out on the other tests. The Alpaca Research Foundation
(ARF) is funding several good studies, so we should know more soon. As
always I encourage every one of you to support ARF. In the meantime using
more than one test is probably the safest approach.

We are in the process of instituting a Biosecurity Plan for our farm.
Incoming animals are quarentined and tested for internal and external
parasites as well as BVDV and M.h. (EPE). We are usung the SN(types 1 and
2) and the PCR on adults and the same tests plus virus isolation on crias.

Unless you have a completely closed herd (no showing and no outside
breedings of any kind) I would urge you all to consider doing likewise.
(Remember the first step in any program like this to test your entire herd.
No use locking the barn door if the problem is already in there. Yes it is a
lot of work but well worth it for the peace of mind.)

Smiles,

Ruthanne

Ruthanne McCaslin, DVM

Promised Land Farm
11345 Thwing Rd.
Chardon, Ohio 44024
440-285-9255
Peruvian Perfection in Black and White - and other exciting colors!

Eldon wrote:
>
>Copied from the most recent ARI BOD meeting minutes:
>
>"Dr. Tibary then discussed the status of the Bovine Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)
>problem. He said that current lab tests for the virus are difficult to
>interpret,
>especially considering the fact that there are many “persistently
>infected
>animals” (“PIs”) who may not test positive for the virus and who are
>the most
>dangerous agents of the virus’s transmission. He urged us to support
>research
>in this area."
>
>Has anyone talked with or otherwise heard more of Dr. Tibary's
>understanding
>of BVDV and alpacas? I'm especially interested in "...current lab tests
>for
>the virus are difficult to interpret.." as I was not aware of that.
>
>Elden Harms
>Token Creek Alpacas LLC
>Sun Prairie WI
>

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