WOAH reference laboratory for bovine babesiosis

Services

Diagnostic services

We are providing diagnostic services for bovine babesiosis. We use microscopy and PCR as agent identification tests for B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and Babesia sp. Mymensingh. The IFATs and ELISAs are used for the sero-diagnosis of B. bovis and B. bigemina infections. Please contact our reference laboratory for further details.

Specimens for diagnostic tests

Giemsa-stained or methanol-fixed thin blood smears should be sent for microscopy. Serum sample and whole blood sample collected with an anti-coagulant should be sent for serological tests and PCR, respectively. Each sample should be about 1 ml and sent either chilled or frozen.

Import permit

An import permit is required for clearing the samples from the animal quarantine at the Japanese airports. The reference laboratory will obtain an import permit for each shipment. Therefore, the sender of the samples should provide the following details, at least 10 days prior to shipping date; 1) Name, address, and contact details of the sender, 2) Type (serum or whole blood) and number (exact numbers of vials) of samples, 3) Arrival port and date, 4) Name of the courier, and 5) Shipping route.

Supply of diagnostic materials

IFAT slides

We can supply B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. divergens IFAT slides prepared with infected RBCs from in vitro cultures. Import permit from the importing country might be essential, based on the local regulations.

If you wish to purchase IFAT slides, please contact at least one month before the expected delivery period.

Positive control DNA

We can supply the DNA samples of B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. divergens extracted from in vitro cultures.


WOAH Reference Centres