BVD Ear Notch Collection

Currently the most cost effective and sensitive strategy for BVDV testing at the ISU VDL is immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed ear notch samples.

Materials and Equipment Needed:

1. An ear notching tool that yields a 1cm a side notch, these are available
from sources listed below, as well as others.

• Nasco: 800-558-9595, Order ID medium C0024N
• Dairy Health USA: 800-276-7933, Order ID medium 440-31
• Stone Livestock Identification, Show Equipment:
816-231-4020 Order ID medium 7125

2. Snap–cap milk tubes [please do not use whirl-pac bags].

3. Shipping container rack that organizes individual tubes in slots.

4. Submission form: Use the Ruminant Health Test Request form found here.

5. Vaccination and tattoo ink do not affect immunohistochemistry
techniques when done at the same time samples are taken.

Collection Procedure:

Label collection tubes with the animal ID’s and sequence number’s (#1 through number in submission).
Dip notching tool in disinfectant, then rinse. Residual disinfectant does not affect immunohistochemical techniques.
Take a proper size ear notch from a clean portion of the ear (Figure 1).
Place notch into a labeled, collection tube with enough 10% buffered neutral formalin to cover the notch.
Ear notches can be stored for up 1 week prior to shipping. Refrigeration once formalin-fixed is not required.

Figure 1: Best location for taking ear notch