New Avian Pneumovirus (APV) Test Faster, Cheaper

A new test for APV (APV-N) is available at the Uuniversity of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Developed by scientists within the University, the new test boasts several advances:

1. Saves time: More tests can be performed in less time with the new test. The RT-PCR cycling time has been reduced by more than 50%.

2. Reduced basic sample cost: Large scale testing is more economical. The basic cost of the RT-PCR step has been reduced by 40%.

3. Increased sensitivity: Compared to the previous test, the new APV-N test is 10 times more sensitive for virus isolates and turbinate homogenates, and 10-1000 times more sensitive for tissues and tissue swabs.

4. Clinical validation: The test has been validated with hundreds of samples. These include clinical and research cases and a variety of different organ homogenates and swabs. More tests were positive (“true positives”) with the new APV-N PCR assay than the previous technology.

5. Specificity testing: The test is specific for subtype C viruses. Other potential viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens did not interfere with the test.

6. Uses existing resources: Can be run with existing Real-time PCR equipment.

New and improved diagnostic laboratory tests will ensure that APV will be quickly and reliably detected. Such rapid and reliable detection is a critical part of an integrated disease control and eradication program.

For more information about the new APV-N test or for questions about sample submission, please contact the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.