Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

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December 2024

New Canine Export Test Information and Offering

By Dr. Katherine Klenda

Pet travel is at an all-time high. If you have not been asked to work through an international health certificate for export, you likely will in the near future.

Export testing requirements are an ever-changing landscape, and it is the responsibility of the referring veterinarian and/or clinic to check with USDA APHIS and the destination country to confirm the current requirements for entry. Many export testing protocols consist of screening tests that maximize diagnostic sensitivity. Because of the high sensitivity, it is not unusual for false-positives to occur. When positives occur a more specific test is required. This can delay turnaround times. Please keep this in mind when tests are ordered.

At the Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL), we offer multiple tests and specialized submission forms for canine export.

Canine Export Submission Form

*New* FAVN Online Submission Form or Paper FAVN Submission Form

Our current test offering is shown below:

Tests Utilizing Serum (red top) Samples:

  • **NEW** Brucella canis IFA (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test). This test detects antibodies to Brucella canis The result is reported as positive, negative or suspect.
  • Brucella canis 2-Mercaptoethanol Tube Agglutination Test (2-ME TAT). The addition of the 2-mercaptoethanol to the tube agglutination test increased the specificity of this test, but as expected, inversely decreased the sensitivity. The reduction in sensitivity limits its use as a screening tool. The results are reported as positive or negative.
  • Leptospira canicola MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test). This test detects antibodies to Leptospira canicola. The results are reported as a titer value.
  • Ehrlichia canis Antibody Screen IFA (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test). The results are reported as positive or negative.
  • Leishmania infantum Antibody Screen IFA (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test). The results are reported as positive or negative.
  • Rabies FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization). This test is used to screen animals to determine antibody levels following rabies vaccination. It is required by many rabies-free countries or regions. The results are reported as a titer value.

Tests Utilizing Whole-Blood (purple top) Samples:

  • Heartworm Antigen/ELISA (Occult Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay). The results are reported as positive or negative.
  • Heartworm Microfilaria Knotts Test. This microscopically examines the sediment of whole blood for the presence of circulating microfilaria. The results are reported as positive or negative.
  • Heartworm Microfilaria DIFIL Test. This test utilizes a filter as a concentration method to examine whole blood for the presence of circulating microfilaria. The results are reported as positive or negative.

For more information about these tests, please contact KSVDL Client Care at 866-512-5650 and ask for Dr. Katie Klenda.

For further information on export requirements, please reach out to your area USDA APHIS office or find resources online at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export.

 

Dr. Klenda is section head for KSVDL Client Care and Accessioning and is part of the KSVDL Outreach Team.

 

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