For the initial tentative diagnosis, slaughterhouse inspections are useful as the typical lesions are visible in the apical lobes (pneumonia). Serological examinations (antibody tests) of the herd are the most suitable means to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) testing allows accurate detection even if there are very few pathogens in the herd. The widespread nature of the pathogen means it can be easily detected using this very sensitive method; however, detection of a few pathogens is not automatically evidence of a true infection. Under favorable housing conditions, the animals can deal with the pathogen without becoming ill. PCR is therefore not particularly suitable for herd diagnosis. More... |
