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Expanded DNA Mastitis
test now available
CanWest DHI is pleased to announce that the identification of the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) organism is now part of the routine Mastitis 3 testing service. This enhancement to the test is being provided to customers at no additional cost. The Mastitis 3 service is now complete and includes all three common contagious pathogens: Staph aureus (and beta lactamase gene), Strep agalactiae and Mycoplasma bovis.
M. bovis mastitis is not believed to be very common in Canada. However, it's
effect can be devastating as it is contagious and unresponsive to treatment.
Often, the outcome is to cull infected animals. The M. bovis organism is difficult
to successfully culture; therefore, the DHI PCR test is a real enhancement in the
diagnosis of this type of mastitis.
The convenience, reliability and rapid turn around of results of the Mastitis 3 test
offers significant improvements in mastitis management. The test, based on
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, identifies the DNA of mastitis
causing pathogens.
According to Richard Cantin, DHI’s Manager of Marketing and Customer Services, “We are pleased to offer this enhancement to our Mastitis testing service. Although Mycoplasma is not believed to be a significant mastitis causing pathogen here in Canada, the ability to identify it with more confidence will no doubt be welcomed by producers and veterinarians. This is a great example of value added service, where we are doing more for our customers, with that same sample and at the same price.”
DHI lab receives high marks for Johne's and Mastitis
proficiency testing
The CanWest DHI lab in Guelph has recently completed with high marks, two new proficiency programs organized by independent third parties.
In addition to in-house quality control, proficiency programs provide the opportunity for labs to test prepared samples with values unknown to the lab. Results from these samples are submitted back to the test provider for third party review and statistical comparison to other participating labs across North America. This process gives valuable feedback to the lab on how it measures up and ensures the ongoing validity and integrity of the lab processes and results.
In the first instance, the Guelph lab passed with flying colours the monthly proficiency ELISA test for Johnes disease organized through Quality Certification Services in the U.S.A. The lab also passed, with a 100% accuracy rating, its yearly USDA proficiency testing for Johnes.
Secondly, the lab met all requirements of the biannual Cornell University proficiency program for the identification of mastitis pathogens using PCR-DNA technology.
Deb van de Water, Lab Manager for DHI comments that "getting third party validation of what we do in the lab is extremely important for us. Of course we strive for a high level of accuracy in results, and through ongoing proficiency programs we can demonstrate our competence to do our work. The bottom line is that customers can be confident in the information we provide."