AHL LabNote 60-Avian reovirus testing of hock joints, sampling and submission

The Animal Health Laboratory, Specimen Reception has a handling fee for trimming hock joints.  The charge is $7.50/submission in addition to the Reovirus test fees.  To avoid extra handling fees please trim and pluck the joints before submitting to the laboratory.  Below is a guide for trimming the joints, and packaging prior to submission.

1. The image below shows the legs prior to trimming.  Have the proper instruments and materials ready before you begin. You will need sterile gloves, scissors (large and small), and whirl-pak bags. Clearly label the bag(s) to match the identifications on the submission form.

          2. Wearing gloves, pluck the feathers from the legs above and below the joint as much as possible.

     3. Once the feathers are removed, trim the leg just above and below the hock joint. You may need the larger scissors to trim the bone and the smaller scissors for any remaining tissue/skin or tendon.

     4. Transfer the trimmed hock(s) into your labelled sterile whirl-pak bag. 

Dr Tim Pasma Client Services Veterinarian

ahlinfo@uoguelph.ca