9- Basis for viral diagnostics and control

Question 1

Name 2 general diagnostic tests for viruses

Answer 1

Detection of virus antigen
Detection of virus nucleic acid
Detection of antiviral antibody- indicates exposure within a population

Question 2

Describe how you diagnose canine parvovirus

Answer 2

Can confirm presence with cage side antigen test- SNAP test or Lateral Flow
can also send sample for PCR- as more sensitive

Question 3

How do you diagnose feline infectious peritonitis

Answer 3

is very challenging
FeCoV antibody can be measured but does not mean a cat has FIP
Wet FIP: presence of characteristic effusion (yellow, tacky) is highly suggestive (Rivalta test)
Raised serum gamma globulins
Raised alpha-1 acid glycoprotein?

Question 4

How do you diagnose BVD

Answer 4

PI animals will be:
Virus positive
antibody negative
Bulk milk antibody a useful screen- gives idea of how much BVD circulating in the herd

Question 5

Describe how to diagnose avian influenza

Answer 5

Tracheal, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs
Virus detection by RT-qPCR

Question 6

List the 3 main ways viruses are controlled

Answer 6

Biosecurity
Husbandry
Vaccination

Question 7

Are diagnostics tests used in cat flu or is It treated symptomatically?

Answer 7

Can be treated based on symptomatically

There is no rapid test but can take a oral/conjuctival swab and send for PCR

Question 8

What virus is associated with feline infectious peritonitis?

Answer 8

Feline coronavirus

Question 9

What is wet Feline infectious peritonitis characterised by?

Answer 9

Presence of characteristic yellow, tacky effusion

Question 10

What is the Rivalta test used for?

Answer 10

FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)- wet
inexpensive method that can be used in resource-limited settings to differentiate a transudate from an exudate.