How should samples for laboratory diagnosis be handled?
The authorities should be notified according to the national regulations and the diagnostic laboratory is contacted for detailed instructions. However, some general rules apply. To take oropharyngeal, nasal, and rectal swabs or faecal samples, follow the steps below: • Label plastic sample tubes using an alcohol-proof ink marker; • Transfer the samples to the tubes, close tightly; • Swab the outside of the tubes with alcohol to reduce the risk of infection for the laboratory staff; • Ship the sample tube safely enclosed in plastic bags to the national reference laboratory according to procedures defined by the authorities; Post mortem samples of lung and mediastinal lymph nodes should be kept and shipped in 10% formol saline. It is not recommended to perform an in-house influenza detection test. • Which measures should the veterinary practitioner take if a case of H5N1- virus infection in a cat is suspected? For his/her personal protection: • Minimise all physical contact with the cat,
