West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito borne virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. Subtypes of WNV, previously known as Kunjin virus (WNVKUN) are endemic in parts of Australia and has been present for many years. These are infrequently associated with disease in humans.
Horses, people and a variety of other animals, especially birds, may become infected through a bite from an infected mosquito. Like most other arboviral infections the disease is expected to occur during late summer and autumn. In Australia, disease has been limited to horses, although several cases have been suspected (though not confirmed) in dogs and alpacas. Most animals infected with WNV do not develop any clinical signs. Unlike strains of WNV found in the Northern hemisphere, Australian strains of WNV have not caused disease in birds.
In 2011, there was a large outbreak of neurological disease in horses in south-east Australia caused by a variant of the Australian strain WNVKUN.
The initial signs of disease can be non-specific and may be mistaken for colic as horses appear depressed and reluctant to move, however these signs are soon followed by neurological signs. The most commonly encountered signs are those of ataxia (including stumbling, staggering, wobbly gait, or incoordination) but a range of other CNS signs may also be observed. Most affected horses recover uneventfully within a few days to weeks; however the disease is fatal in about 10% of cases.
It is important to differentiate the illness from Hendra virus infection particularly in areas where flying foxes are abundant and to take appropriate precautions.
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Diagnosis in horses and domestic non-avian species is based on the history, clinical signs, serology and other diagnostic tests where appropriate.
Test | Sample(s) required | Testing Day | Turnaround time1 | Additional information |
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West Nile Virus IgM ELISA2 | Clotted blood or CSF | According to demand | 7-10D | Suitable for equine samples only and is the preferred test for blood samples collected from horses within 2 weeks of the onset of clinical signs. The first sample should be collected as soon as possible after clinical signs have been observed. |
West Nile Virus blocking Antibody ELISA3 | Clotted blood or CSF | According to demand | 7-10D | Collection of paired clotted blood samples in the acute and convalescent phases of the illness (approximately 3-4 weeks apart) is recommended to confirm recent infection in mammalian non-equine species. |
West Nile Virus Real–time PCR | Fresh tissue (brain stem) and CSF | According to demand | 2-3D | |
Histopathology examination | Fixed tissue | Monday - Friday |
Up to 2W for brain Up to 5D for other | WNV is usually only detected in the brain stem and upper cervical spinal cord |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2The WNV IgM ELISA is only suitable for equine samples and is the preferred test for blood samples collected from horses within 2 weeks of the onset of clinical signs. The first sample should be collected as soon as possible after clinical signs have been observed.
3Collection of paired clotted blood samples in the acute and convalescent phases of the illness (approximately 3-4 weeks apart) is recommended to confirm recent infection in mammalian non-equine species.
Sample Type | Sample Description | Sample requirements |
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Clotted blood | Red top tube (without anti-coagulant) | 10ml submitted chilled |
Fresh tissue | Brain and upper cervical spinal cord | Submit brain cut in half longitudinally to ensure that all representative areas are available for virus detection. Submitted chilled |
CSF | Cerebrospinal fluid | 5ml sterile vial or 10ml red top tube. Submitted chilled. |
Fixed tissue | Brain and upper cervical spinal cord - in neutral buffered formalin | 10:1 ratio, fixed. |
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
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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 |