Author, Donkey, Bureaucrats, Administrators
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Paired serum samples can also be used for serological diagnosis. An acute serum sample is required within two to three days of the onset of illness, followed by a second sample two to three weeks later. A positive result shows a '''fourfold or greater rise '''in virus specific antibody. In the <u>donkey a non-specific and, as yet, unidentified anti-complement factor in the serum may be responsible for false positive results</u>. If this is the case a '''virus neutralisation test'''(VN) may be required instead of a complement fixation test. However, the VN test is less used in many laboratories nowadays, as virus neutralizing antibodies have a longer half life compared to complement fixation antibodies, and so are less sensitive to recent rises.
Paired serum samples can also be used for serological diagnosis. An acute serum sample is required within two to three days of the onset of illness, followed by a second sample two to three weeks later. A positive result shows a '''fourfold or greater rise '''in virus specific antibody. In the <u>donkey a non-specific and, as yet, unidentified anti-complement factor in the serum may be responsible for false positive results</u>. If this is the case a '''virus neutralisation test'''(VN) may be required instead of a complement fixation test. However, the VN test is less used in many laboratories nowadays, as virus neutralizing antibodies have a longer half life compared to complement fixation antibodies, and so are less sensitive to recent rises.
===Aborted foatuses===
===Aborted foetuses===
Aborted foetuses and foals that die shortly after birth should, if possible, be investigated at a laboratory to look for signs of EHV. If present it is important to follow the Horserace Betting Levy Board guidelines for minimising spread.
Aborted foetuses and foals that die shortly after birth should, if possible, be investigated at a laboratory to look for signs of EHV. If present it is important to follow the Horserace Betting Levy Board guidelines for minimising spread.