Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an acute, contagious disease caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV) of the genus arterivirus (Family Arteriviridae). Identification of seropositive horses and a semen-culture positive stallion in Australia suggest a low virulence form of this organism has been established in the horse population at a low level. Clinical disease has not yet been recorded.
EVA is usually subclinical, but clinical disease overseas is characterised by pyrexia lasting 1-5 days, subcutaneous oedema of limbs and ventral abdomen, rhinitis and conjunctivitis with nasal and ocular discharge and photophobia, a skin rash, anorexia, depression, dyspnoea and diarrhoea. Up to 70% of pregnant mares abort during the febrile stage. Affected animals usually recover.
Virus is spread by respiratory and venereal transmission. Infection can also spread through indirect contact with virus-contaminated equipment, hands or apparel of animal handlers. Virus is present in semen, respiratory secretions and also in urine, faeces and aborted foetuses.
Diagnosis is supported by history, clinical signs and virological tests
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
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Equine viral arteritis VNT | Clotted blood (red top tube) | Batch tested Tuesday & Friday | 3 - 7D |
Equine arteritis virus PCR | Swabs in PBGS Fresh tissue EDTA blood (purple top tube) Semen | According to demand | 2 - 3D |
Equine arteritis virus isolation2 | Semen | According to demand | 2 - 3W |
Histopathology examination | Fixed tissue | Monday – Friday | Up to 5D |
Please Note: D= Working day(s)/ W= Week(s). TAT does not include weekends or public holidays.
Blood (without anti-coagulant) |
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Fixed tissue |
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Fresh tissue |
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Semen |
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Swabs |
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Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
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CONTACT DETAILS | |
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Phone | 1800 675 623 |
Operating Hours | 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only) |
Postal Address | Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567 |
For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request
For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.
For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.
Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.
Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).
Sample Type | Laboratory | Street Address |
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Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |