Rabies

Submissions for Rabies Examination

Please use the VDL Rabies Examination submission form when submitting samples for rabies virus testing. Provide a complete history and indicate clearly if human exposure is involved. The absence of a complete history may delay the rabies examination until the laboratory can compile and verify the necessary information.

Information to be provided includes:

• Name of submitting veterinarian or physician.
• The species of animal submitted and any pertinent description.
• The name of the person making the request or the name of the person exposed.
• Human exposure: please indicate clearly if human exposure is involved, the date of exposure, and route of exposure.

Rabies Specimens

The entire euthanized animal, chilled (not frozen), should be delivered by private carrier. Alternatively, submit the intact head, properly sealed to prevent leakage, and identified as a rabies suspect.

To safely prepare a rabies head:

• Remove the head by disarticulation of the occipito-atlantal joint. Gloves, face, and eye protection are recommended for this procedure.
• Refrigerate and package in a leak-proof container with refrigerant packs.
• Deliver by private or commercial carrier with the package identified as “Rabies Suspect”.
• Rabies suspects should be euthanized prior to delivery to the VDL, only in exceptional cases and with prior notice should a live animal be submitted. There are additional fees for euthanization.

Note: A complete cross-section (see the photo below) of both the cerebellum and the brainstem submitted as fresh, refrigerated tissue are required for valid rabies testing per the CDC guidelines.

Rabies Test Procedures

• Results are available the same day if received before 11:30 am. Samples received after 11:30 am may be tested on the next business day.
• After-hours emergency service is available on weeknights, weekends, and during university holidays. After-hours submissions to the ISU Vet Diagnostic Lab can now be placed directly in a refrigerator located inside the VDL submission door foyer.
• The State Hygienic Laboratory at The University of Iowa (800-421-IOWA) offers rabies test service for animals that have potentially exposed humans. Visit the State Hygienic Lab Rabies website for submission form and more specific info. You will need to work directly with SHL.

Rabies Reporting

• Rabies results will always be reported the same day tested. Please note samples MAY NOT ALWAYS be tested on the same day they arrive.
  • Samples received before 11:30 am: results are available the same day by 5:00 pm. They will be sent to the submittor via email, fax, or phone per the submission form request.
  • Samples received after 11:30 am: may be tested on the next business day.
• In all cases, a final report will be provided to the submitter as specified on the submission form.

Rabies Results

• Negative
• Positive
• Inconclusive rabies results: results are reported as “inconclusive” when, per CDC guidelines, any of the two submitted parts are incomplete or missing and the Rabies result is Negative.
• Unsuitable rabies results: cases are reported as “unsuitable” when autolysis is evident and the FA test result is negative.