Use of epidemiologic data and serologic tests in bovine brucellosis
Pietz, D.E.; Cowart, W.O.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 177(12): 1221-1226
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7002890 Document Number: 159328
Serological tests and other diagnosis criteria used in the co-operative Brucellosis Eradication Program (CBEP) are reviewed. Guidelines for a revised programme were published in the Uniform Methods and Rules, December 1979, and amended in February 1980. These require bovine practitioners to develop individual herd plans for the limitation of brucellosis in affected herds and describe changes in the application and interpretation of specific tests. Single dilution presumptive tests are used to screen samples (buffered acidified plate antigen; rapid screening; card tests). Positive samples must be tested by official diagnostic tests (standard tube; standard plate; card; rivanol; complement fixation). Supplemental tests may be required to provide additional diagnostic and epidemiological information (whey plate; serial dilution ring test). Other tests are under investigation for suitability to provide supplemental information (ELISA; indirect haemolytic; radial immunodiffusion with a polysaccharide antigen). Finally the need is stressed for bovine practitioners to protect uninfected herds by including preventive measures in herd health programmes.