Pathogen test
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The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) virus.
Sample
- 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube
- 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube
Turnaround time
- 2 to 5 working days
What is Western Equine Encephalitis?
- Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a viral disease carried by mosquitoes. WEE occurs in the western parts of the United States, including Iowa and Canada. WEE causes “sleeping sickness” in horses.
Clinical signs
- WEE viruses affect the nervous system, so affected animals will have fever, depression and changes in behaviour.
- Signs of infection may also include impaired vision, muscle twitches, circling or head pressing behaviours, the inability to swallow, paralysis and convulsions.
- Survival rates of horses infected with WEE is 70-80%.
- The virus is transmitted to people and horses by bites from infected mosquitoes and birds during wet, summer months
Prevention
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Vaccines for WEE are available for horses.
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Measures to control mosquito populations and minimize mosquito exposure will decrease chances of infection.