Instructions for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Sample Submission
Please submit all samples on plenty of dry ice in a sealed styrofoam container.
• For a sick elephant with suspected active EEHV infection, please send at least 1-2 ml of whole blood (EDTA, lavender top tube). It is best to transfer the blood to a freezer-safe tube (not glass) after thoroughly mixing with EDTA. We have received broken glass tubes in the past.
• We can test any tissue for EEHV from deceased elephants, but it must be frozen (preferably in liquid nitrogen or dry ice, or store in a –70 C freezer). Heart, liver and spleen are the best organs to test for EEHV.
• We would like to test placenta from all newborn/stillborn/aborted elephants. Please freeze a 1 inch3 piece (preferably in liquid nitrogen or dry ice, or store in a –70 C freezer).
• For EEHV titers, please send at least 2 mls of serum (preferably more). Freeze immediately and send on dry ice.
• Please include all pertinent elephant information (including history) on the attached form.
• The best day to ship (FedEx) would be Wednesday for a Thursday arrival. Please call Erin or Laura before shipping samples:
Erin Latimer: 202-633-4252 (W)
OR
Laura Richman 301-398-4741 (W)
FedEx to:
Erin Latimer/Laura Richman
Smithsonian, National Zoological Park
Department of Pathology
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 633-4252
Request for EEHV testing
Department of Pathology
Smithsonian National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 633-4252
Date ________________________
Requestor’s name ______________________________________________________________
Institution _____________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Phone/email ____________________________________________________________________
Animal Name/ISIS # ______________________________________
Age ______________________________________________
Species ___________________________________________
Reason for request (i.e. current symptoms of possible EEHV, or possible exposure to
EEHV) _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Type of samples being sent __________________________________________________
Before sending samples, please call Erin Latimer 202-633-4252 (W)
703-471-2168 (H)
or
Laura Richman 301-398-4741 (W)
301-253-8723 (H)
Please send samples overnight on dry ice in a sealed cooler. The best day to send samples is Wednesday, for Thursday delivery.
Consent Form for EEHV Testing
Department of Pathology
Smithsonian National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 633-4252
I give consent for the results of Elephant Endothelial Herpes Virus (EEHV) testing to be used by the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and the National EEHV Laboratory to make recommendations on any elephant related issues (including, but not limited to, recommendations on relocations and breeding).
The results that could be reviewed and used by the SSP and the National EEHV Lab include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and DNA sequencing of the EEHV virus.
I understand that all results and recommendations will be kept confidential.
_____ Yes, I agree to allow the SSP and the National EEHV Lab to use our testing results.
_____ No, I do not consent to the use of our testing results.
__________________________________________ __________
Signature, title Date
___________________________________________________ _________________________
Printed name Phone number
____________________________________________________ _________________________
Institution Email address
____________________________________________________
Address
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
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