Where to send a mouse for rabies testing? - briefly
Send the mouse to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory certified for rabies analysis, such as a state public health lab or a USDA‑approved animal disease facility. Verify submission guidelines and shipping instructions with the laboratory before dispatch.
Where to send a mouse for rabies testing? - in detail
Laboratories capable of conducting rabies diagnostics on rodents are limited, but several accredited facilities accept mouse specimens. Primary options include:
- National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), Ames, Iowa, USA. Recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for rabies testing on a wide range of species, including small mammals.
- Rabies Reference Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Provides confirmatory testing and can process mouse tissue upon request.
- Provincial or state public health laboratories that hold WOAH accreditation for rabies. Examples: California Department of Public Health Rabies Lab, Ontario Veterinary College Rabies Unit.
Selection criteria for an appropriate laboratory:
- Accreditation status for rabies testing on non‑traditional species.
- Availability of the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test, the gold‑standard method for rabies detection.
- Turn‑around time and shipping logistics supported by the facility.
Shipping instructions must follow biosafety and regulatory requirements:
- Euthanize the mouse according to approved humane methods; collect brain tissue immediately to preserve viral integrity.
- Place the brain in a sterile, leak‑proof container with a minimal volume of viral transport medium or phosphate‑buffered saline.
- Seal the container, then place it inside a secondary watertight bag with absorbent material.
- Label the outer packaging with «Rabies – Mouse Brain Sample», specimen identification, and the sender’s contact information.
- Complete the appropriate USDA/APHIS or equivalent permit for the transport of potentially infectious material.
- Use an overnight courier that offers temperature‑controlled service (2‑8 °C) and complies with IATA regulations for Category A infectious substances.
Documentation required by the receiving laboratory includes:
- Completed testing request form specifying species, clinical history, and exposure details.
- Certificate of origin confirming the animal’s provenance and health status.
- Shipping manifest indicating compliance with national and international transport regulations.
Contact the chosen laboratory in advance to confirm acceptance criteria, obtain specific packaging guidelines, and arrange for receipt of results. Prompt communication reduces delays and ensures that the sample arrives in optimal condition for accurate rabies detection.