Which tests are used to confirm 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection in pets?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is the standard confirmatory test for the virus. Animals must be shedding the virus in order for it to be detected by the PCR assay; therefore, sample collection during the early phase of illness is optimal. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays (specific for 2009 H1N1 virus) performed on convalescent serum can also be confirmatory in the absence of a negative PCR result. “Bedside tests” or human-focused rapid tests (such as Directigen™ Flu A+B or QuickVue® Influenza tests) have anecdotally been used for presumptive detection of influenza type A virus infection in pets but are not specific for the ‘classic’ H1N1 influenza virus or the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The tests are commonly performed on nasal or oropharyngeal swab samples. However, these tests are not USDA-approved for this use and confirmatory tests are necessary before the diagnosis can be confirmed. In addition, increased demand by physicians for these test kits during flu season m
