Updated: February 11, 2025. Information is constantly evolving.
We will update these pages as guidance changes. Please check back here often.
Notifications: Ensure the State Animal Health Officer (SAHO) is aware of and approves of testing.
- CT SAHO: ctstate.vet@ct.gov or call
- Contact the CVMDL if you need help contacting the SAHO in other states
Specimen Types:
| Animal | Specimen Type |
| Deceased cats
(*CVMDL can facilitate the removal of the brain and sample collection for an additional fee) |
Brain tissue (any section)*
Brain swab (any section)* Nasal swab |
| Live cats | Nasal swab |
| N/A | Raw food (if cat is fed a raw diet) |
| N/A | Raw milk (if cat is fed raw milk) |
General collection: Clearly label each specimen with an identifier.
- Swab type:
- Use synthetic or semi-synthetic swabs (e.g., polyester, rayon, nylon) with a plastic handle (flocked or spun head).
- Avoid cotton or calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden handles.
- Media:
- Strongly preferred to place all swabs in a minimum of 3-5mL viral transport media (VTM). Contact CVMDL if collection kits and / or discounted shipping labels are needed
- If VTM is not available, 3-5mL sterile saline in a sterile container is acceptable.
- Do not ship the swabs dry.
- Raw Food: Approximately 1-2 teaspoons; Double bag or place in clean container.
- Milk: Approximately 2-3mL; Place in a clean container.
Shipping/Submission:
- Use the CVMDL Non-Avian HPAI Submission form (Reason for testing: check “emerging event” for all cat and raw food/milk submissions)
- Store samples in a refrigerator until shipping or delivery
- Ship or bring the samples to CVMDL within 24-48 hours of collection
- Ship on / with frozen icepacks
Reporting:
- Results will be reported within 2 business days after receipt at the laboratory
- All results will also be sent to the SAHO and local the USDA Office.
- If the virus is detected, the result(s) will also be reported to the Veterinary Public Health Officer.
- If the virus is detected, the sample will forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for confirmatory testing.