Avian Influenza testing in cats and dogs FAQ

All cases must be submitted through a veterinarian.

Read more about Avian Influenza.

Testing requirements

  • Veterinarian is required to sample cats or dogs for HPAI testing
  • Testing should only be performed on clinically affected cats
  • Nasal swab for antemortem testing
    • Synthetic swab, media, and tube are required for nasal sampling.
    • DO NOT SUBMIT DRY SWABS, THEY WILL NOT BE TESTED
      • Single sterile swab used to sample both nostrils.
      • Ensure mucosa in the nasal passage is brushed firmly with the swab.
      • After both nasal passages have been sampled, place swab in PrimeStore MTM, BHI broth, or Saline (least preferable). BD Universal Transport Media is also acceptable.
      • Vigorously swirl the swab in the media, express fluid by pressing the swab against the side of the tube and remove the swab.
      • Do not retain the swab in the media.
  • Brain sample for postmortem testing
    • Should be kept refrigerated or frozen until packaging/shipment

What test to order online (WADDL portal)

  • Avian influenza (AI) matrix PCR, Individual
  • If assistance is needed with our portal please reach out to our friendly office staff at (509) 335-9696
  • Please indicate on the form if the animal has signs (neurological / respiratory disease) and if there is a known or possible exposure to HPAI (raw milk, wild bird, etc.). 

Cost

At this time the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) will cover the testing costs of clinical cats with appropriate signs (neurological / respiratory disease) and preferably with known or possible exposure to HPAI (raw milk or pet food, wild birds, etc.).  Shipping costs for getting samples to WADDL are not covered.  Given the ongoing and evolving presentation of HPAI in domestic cats, please contact our office with questions or for further information.

For your information, without the USDA NAHLN cost coverage below is the total testing costs. Veterinarian is billed for testing.

  • Accession fee: $10
  • Individual AI matrix PCR: $52
  • If non-negative (aka positive), following additional costs:
    • H5 PCR: $20
    • H5 2.3.4.4b PCR: $20
    • Shipping cost to NVSL: $50.00

Packing/shipping requirements

  • If you use the WADDL portal, there is an option for discounted shipping and shipping labels.
  • If you need shipping boxes/materials, they can be found at the shipping page on our site.
  • Make sure lids of tubes are sealed properly. DO NOT USE PARAFILM
  • Double bag tubes and place in insulated container with plenty of gel ice packs
  • Add packing material to ensure tubes are not rolling around the box.
  • Printed accession form is placed outside the insulated container, inside outer shipping container/cardboard container.
  • Packaging and shipping details