Small Ruminants
We offer veterinarians and animal keepers practical and problem-oriented diagnostic examinations with a focus on comprehensive infection diagnostics for health problems in sheep and goat flocks.
In order to get to the bottom of more complex health problems in sheep and goat flocks, we do not only rely on serological methods and the processing of swab or organ samples by means of various analytical methods such as bacteriological or molecular biological examination for diagnostics. Pathological-anatomical and patho-histological examinations of animals as well as the sterile collection of sample material for further examination from animal bodies can be particularly helpful. Invasive pathogens from samples obtained in this manner allow for high quality analysis and reporting. Molecular biological tests and sequence analyses complete the range of services. Through internally developed analytical procedures, we achieve the shortest possible processing times for our customers.
Pathology
Pathological-anatomical examinations are an essential part of the diagnostic process at ANICON. An in-house pathology department is available in our laboratory for this purpose. From lamb / fawn to adult animals, everything can be accepted in case of corresponding stock problems.
The examination and evaluation of submitted section animals and/or sample material is carried out by our veterinarians. Results and, if necessary, images of pathologically-anatomically altered organs are digitally recorded and are available to the sender in a timely manner.
Transport of diagnostic sample material
For longer-lasting transport or shipment the sample material should be transported under cooled conditions. Diagnostic material has to be shipped according to VO (EG) 1069/2009 double-bagged and in new, securely sealed and leakproof vessels.
AniCon is registered for handling category 1 material according to Reg (EC) No. 1069/2009 registration no.: DE 03 453 0003 02.
Every shipment has to be send with an according accompanying document.
The corresponding documents are linked above for download.
Receiving of sample material at AniCon
We receive your sample material from Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Please note that live animals are accepted from 08:00 am to 03:00 pm and only with your advanced notification (phone +49 4473 9438 - 30).
Outside business hours we provide a small customer lab. The lab is equipped with a fridge for placing your samples. If you prefer to initiate a bacteriological examination by yourself you might use the provided incubator and all necessary material.
If you would like to use the customer lab for the first time please do not hesitate to contact us.
In urgent cases and prior agreement necropsies and further diagnostics can also be performed on weekends.
You will receive the test reports immediately after performed analysis of your samples (generally 24 – 72 hrs) via E-mail, postal service or fax. Partial findings are transmitted in advance to ensure a prompt communication of test results.
Post-mortems are an important part of our work, we are able to examine all sizes of cattle from calves to heavy weanlings. Results of necroscopies and, if necessary, photos of altered organs are digitally reported promptly.
Microbiology
AniCon’s diagnostic lab receives all kinds of samples like swabs, tissues or organs of diseased animals, fecal samples, sock swabs or contact plates.
We process the whole analysis spectrum of microbial pathogens relevant for sheep and goats.
Initially, the samples are cultivated. Resulting isolates are subsequently characterized by biochemical, serological and molecular tools and assigned to a species, serotype or genotype.
Sensitivity testing of isolates is routinely performed.
Besides conventional methods for pathogen differentiation we use modern technology like MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
If requested isolated pathogens can be cryopreserved.
Serology
We routinely apply a wide range of serological examinations, for especially ELISA. Serological test results provide information about immune status of the tested animal.
Knowledge of the antibody status can serve to proof the success of vaccinations or to assess the reactions to earlier infections.
Virology
Detection of virus via culture is performed from swabs, tissue samples or organs in cell culture. The obtained isolates are further characterized by hemagglutination tests as well as by molecular tools. If requested isolated pathogens can be cryopreserved.
This type of pathogen detection is especially interesting in cases of severe health problems and where “classical” pathogens could not be found. In this context, the spectrum of analyses can be extended by viral cultivation.
Molecular Biology > PCR
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a rapid (within hours) method to detect genetic material (DNA/RNA) of inactive or reproductive viruses and bacteria.
We routinely perform PCR testing (mostly real-time PCR) for diverse sheep and goat relevant pathogens. We put emphasis in routine diagnostics to provide our customers as soon as possible with results.
A further purpose of our molecular diagnostic is characterisation of viral isolates. These isolates are analysed by various specific PCR methods [i. e. (real-time) (RT-) PCR] and sequencing. Knowledge of detected genes, e. g. surface determinants, toxin gens and other gene sequences, enables us to classify isolates to species, subtypes and potential virulence. These tests allow a targeted selection of a suitable vaccine and let estimate its efficacy.
