INVESTIGSTION OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE IN FARM- AND WILD ANIMALS

Information sheet
Specimen submission form
Biosafety packaging sheet

As part of our surveillance programme for arboviruses in the country, the Zoonoses Research Unit (ZRU) investigates undiagnosed neurological disease in farm- and wild animals.

Diagnostic tests have consisted principally of molecular procedures (RT-PCR) to detect viral genetic material (nucleic acid) in brain or blood samples, but the acquisition of a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory will allow us to grow live virus from specimens and to prepare reagents for antibody tests, so as to facilitate making a diagnosis at different stages of infection: either detection of virus during acute illness, or demonstration of an immune response later. Furthermore, we shall progressively broaden the range of pathogens for which tests are conducted. For further information please refer to the information sheet. However, it is not the responsibility of ZRU to provide a general diagnostic service for veterinary pathogens, particularly notifiable diseases, and these should be excluded by veterinary institutions, with whom we collaborate.

The diagnostic service provided are for research purposes and we therefore need as much clinical information as possible for the research to be worthwile. A specimen submission form must accompany each specimen. Refer to the information sheet for type of specimen and adress to send the specimens to. Please read the biosafety packaging sheet to safely handle and transport these specimen.

Investigations involve a range of tests and costs may exceed R3 000. However, research grants make it possible to subsidize investigations.