Sample Collection Guidelines
For the premovement testing of lactating dairy cattle, samples are to be collected by an accredited veterinarian, a state-licensed veterinarian, or a sample collector approved by the appropriate state animal health official. Designated individuals on production sites can be trained to collect milk samples and nasal swab samples for diagnostic testing. Samples must be collected under the supervision of a licensed or accredited veterinarian or as determined by the respective State Animal Health Official.
Samples for interstate premovement testing need to be submitted to an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Laboratory for testing. NAHLN laboratories will conduct NAHLN-approved PCR testing: IAV matrix, H5, and optionally 2.3.4.4b.
Sample Type
Milk samples from individual cows. Each quarter should be sampled and combined into one sample container for submission to the laboratory. Submissions must be between 3-10 ml of milk per animal.
Pooling of milk samples can be done only at the laboratory.
Number of Samples Required
Groups of 30 or fewer animals moving interstate, all animals being moved must be tested.
Groups of more than 30 animals are moving interstate, then at least 30 animals total must be tested.
Timing
Sample collection and testing must take place no more than seven (7) days prior to interstate movement.
Submissions
Form
1. Fill out the Ruminant Health Test Request Form via the ISU VDL Web Portal.
For more information on the ISU VDL Web Portal, see our Web-Based Tools page.
Shipping
1. Place the bags (with a webID written on the bags or printed form) in a cooler with a cold pack.
2. Ship overnight or hand-deliver to:
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Iowa State University
1937 Christensen Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011