BVD testing- $3.65 per sample

Make A Wise Investment In BVDV Testing

Testing for cattle persistently infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV PI calves) is an important investment in the health and performance of your herd. Because you make significant management and culling decisions based on BVDV test results, you need to be certain the test you are using is accurate and reliable. A number of options are available, but not all BVDV tests are the same. The IDEXX HerdChek* BVD Antigen Test Kit is the only USDA-licensed test for detecting BVDV PI calves. Sometimes referred to as Antigen Capture ELISA (ACE), the IDEXX BVD ELISA is the fastest and most accurate method for detecting PI calves using ear-notch samples. The test is based on the gp48 antigen, also called the Erns antigen. This antigen is highly stable and resistant to heat, freezing or other environmental influences. It is also secreted in large amounts by the virus and is readily available in serum and skin tissue. There is a European ELISA used by some labs in the United States that is not USDA-licensed. This test relies on detection of the p80 antigen, an antigen that is instable and occurs at varying levels in tissue. In addition, maternal antibodies interfere with p80 detection, all of which lead to more false negatives than other ELISAs.1 Pooled PCR is a method used by other labs. While pooling promises a lower cost for screening, additional cost is incurred for disposables and confirmatory testing. Recent studies have shown PCR to produce a high level of false negatives.2,3 None of the PCR tests used in the USA are USDA-licensed. Any compromise in performance that results in missing true positives can undermine your BVD PI testing program. Make certain that your investment in BVDV testing is money well spent, and your lab is using the IDEXX BVD HerdChek Antigen Test Kit. Serum BVD Sample Submission Instructions Instructions on how to submit serum samples for BVD testing.

Ear Notch BVD Sample Submission Instructions Instructions on how to submit ear notch samples for BVD testing.

BVD Sample Submission Form Print and fill out this form when mailing your blood samples to BioTracking.