Rapid Influenza tests

With all of the publicity surrounding the current Equine Influenza outbreak, it still surprises me that Rapid Point-of-Care testing has not been adopted. The tests that are available now are extremely simple to perform with a positive or negative result obtained in 15 minutes. If a horse is exposed to the Equine Influenza Virus a positive result can be obtained as soon as 3-days after the initial infection.

There is no reason why a Vet or someone experienced in dealing with horses cant take a nasal swab or aspirate and do the testing themselves for around $20-25. I am quite happy to talk to anyone who is interested in this concept. It wont stop the spread however it will at least enable confirmation and isolation of horses that have contracted Equine Influenza (positive result) sooner than other modes of Diagnosis and also help reassure owners that a horse in an at risk area that has been kept isolated does not have Equine Influenza .

Steve McMaster
Product Manager - Infectious DiseasesInverness Medical Professional Diagnostics
Ph: 1300 559 032 Mob: 0423 567 470 Fax: 1300 559 053e-mail:- stephen.mcmaster@invmed.com