Where should a tick found on a dog be submitted? - briefly
Submit the tick to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or the local animal health authority for identification and testing. Prompt submission enables accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Where should a tick found on a dog be submitted? - in detail
When a tick is removed from a dog, the specimen should be sent to a facility capable of accurate identification and pathogen testing. Proper handling ensures reliable results for both the animal’s health and public‑health monitoring.
The preferred destinations include:
- Veterinary diagnostic laboratories accredited by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or comparable bodies. These labs provide species‑specific identification and can perform PCR or serology for common tick‑borne agents such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia spp.
- State or provincial public‑health laboratories. Many jurisdictions maintain tick‑surveillance programs and accept submissions from veterinary practices. Results are often shared with local health departments to track emerging risks.
- University‑affiliated research centers with entomology or vector‑biology departments. These institutions may offer advanced molecular diagnostics and contribute data to national monitoring networks.
- Commercial diagnostic services that specialize in arthropod testing. Ensure the provider holds CLIA certification and follows CDC guidelines for specimen preservation.
Key steps before shipping:
- Place the tick in a labeled, airtight container (e.g., a small vials with 70 % ethanol or a dry, sterile tube). Label must include collection date, host species, anatomical location on the host, and geographic coordinates if known.
- Complete the submission form required by the receiving laboratory, providing the dog’s identification, owner contact information, and any observed clinical signs.
- Ship the specimen via overnight courier with appropriate biohazard markings, adhering to the carrier’s regulations for biological samples.
Documentation of the submission and receipt of the laboratory report should be retained in the animal’s medical record. Prompt reporting of positive findings enables timely treatment of the dog and informs owners about potential zoonotic hazards.