Disease Monitoring: Sample

Milk

Milk samples may be tested for foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus in an outbreak. Licensed milk haulers are trained in proper sample collection and their skills will be needed in an outbreak. Rather than the samples being tested by a milk quality laboratory, they will need to be properly labeled and transported in a biosecure manner to a diagnostic lab that is part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). Biosecurity recommendations include:

• Place labeled milk sample vials in a sealable plastic bag with no visible contamination on its exterior.
  • If contaminated, seal bag and spray exterior with a disinfectant effective against FMD virus.
  • Disinfectant must NOT come into contact with the milk or the interior or exterior of the vial.
• Place bagged milk sample vials in a sample cooler, ensuring milk is kept cool during transport.
  • Sample coolers must be made of a material that can be cleaned and disinfected.