Nidovirus PCR (serpentovirus screening)
Why?
Serpentovirus is an important infectious disease consideration in pythons. Screening is relevant when a new python enters a collection, before breeding or when documenting a sale.
Screening may be particularly relevant:
- During quarantine of a new animal
- Before introduction into an established collection
- Before breeding
- As part of health documentation before transfer or sale
What are the limitations?
A negative PCR result applies to the submitted sample and does not by itself prove that the animal is free from the pathogen. Shedding and the time of sampling can affect detection.
Reptarenavirus can also occur in pythons. Both analyses can be run on one and the same dry oral swab – you add the second analysis during ordering. No extra sample is needed.
Price: €89 for 1 animal · lower cost per animal with more animals
Kit: The kit includes the required materials and step-by-step instructions. ERHR confirms the specimen method for your animal and test before dispatch.
Expected process: Order the kit, link the animal, collect and return the sample, then view the laboratory result on the animal record.