Diagnosing Viral Infections

Abstract

This paper addresses some of the inherent limitations of detecting viral infections in cattle. It also addresses new diagnostic tests that offer significant practical advantages as well as increased sensitivity of virus detection. The methods presented have been selected from among many new methods that have been recently published and are continuing to be published at an increasing rate. At this time it is best to remark that most of the newer methods have great potential, but have not been subjected to enough field situations or animal specimens to predict future usefulness. In order for development and application of a truly useful test, the critical underlying assumptions necessary for successful diagnosis of bovine viral infections must be examined for their impact on diagnostic methods and diagnostic laboratories.