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Samples collected for avian influenza testing are inoculated into specific-pathogen-free chicken eggs.  These eggs are incubated and amnio-allantoic fluid is harvested and tested for virus growth by hemagglutination (HA) assay.
Virology Section

The virology section of the NJ Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory performs a variety of antigen-antibody reaction tests for the diagnostic testing of diseases caused by viruses, such as serum neutralization test for the detection of antibodies to equine viral arteritis and equine herpesvirus-1. The virology section performs ELISA tests for the detection of IgM antibodies to Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile viruses. Hemagglutination-Inhibitation tests are performed for the detection of Equine, Canine, and Swine Influenza. The virology section participates in the Avian Influenza surveillance. We provide the highest quality technology for detection and identification of aquatic animal viruses through tissue culture inoculation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis techniques. These viruses include Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Spring Viremia of Carp, Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis, Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis, and the Koi Herpes virus. Other services provided by the virology section include direct fluorescent antibody staining to identify viral antigens in infected tissues or cells by fluorescent microscopy and indirect fluorescence antibody staining to detect exposure to viral agents. Virus isolation is also available for certain equine and avian diseases.