I'm very interested to know which tests are done here in South Africa for KHV. I read that one has to do two tests to be sure that the fish is KHV free. An ELISA (serology) test and a PCR test and that the ELISA test is the better one to do. Then there is the FASTest which is good too and much quicker; is this one available here and being used here?
denali, OK I see we not getting replies here.
You are quite correct in that the Elisa test id the better one, unfortunately that is not available to us here.
Our tests rely on the PCR testing procedure. I have heard that the FASTest (under correction) has been used as well.
The PCR test is more accurate if the quality of the swab is good, it must have some blood on it. Even then this whole testing is still very open to abuse.
Your best safety lies in proper quarantining at your premises. Yes that is quite a setup, but fail safe.
A subject for another day.
Koi and Pond Services can now handle your KHV test from taking the swab till obtaining your results. Please contact us if you have a need for this.
I have been involved in three possitive KHV outbreaks of late. Having a meeting with the state vet next week. Will do an article on the results of some testing.
