2025-26 Collection and Submission of Fecal Samples for Johne’s PCR Testing

Sample Requirements

Important Updates

Beginning July 1, 2026, fecal samples will be required to be submitted in rigid plastic containers and labeled with consecutive numbers only (1, 2, 3, etc.). Additional processing fees will apply to submissions with improper containers or labeling after this date. A container guide is available on our website.

Before Sending to the Lab

• Clearly label each fecal sample with consecutive numbers, starting at 1.
• Complete the Herd Submission Form and Sample Identification Form available at https://www.vdl.ndsu.edu/forms/.
• Email a typed Sample Identification Form with sample numbers and the corresponding unique animal ID to ndsu.vetlab@ndsu.edu.
• The ND Johne’s program requires unique animal IDs on the final report. Clients are responsible for ensuring accurate IDs on the submission form. Animal IDs do not need to be written on the fecal containers.
• Submit separate species on separate forms.
• Use one Sample Identification Form for all samples to be pooled.

Pooling Information

• Pooling of samples occurs at the laboratory. Pool 1 includes samples #1–5, Pool 2 includes samples #6–10, etc. Samples are pooled and tested in the order listed on the Sample Identification Form. We cannot accommodate custom pooling requests, so please list animals in the order you want tested. Requests for individual testing on an animal should be listed at the end of the form and clearly identified. If an individual is removed from a pool, the remaining pool will contain fewer than 5 samples.

Packaging and Shipping

• Enclose the completed Submission Form in the shipping box.
• Submit one Johne’s herd case per box to avoid contamination.
• Do not save multiple herd cases and combine them in one shipment. This creates bottlenecks and delays.
• Do not send a single, large herd collection over multiple dates. Wait to ship until completed, even if collection takes a few days. If arriving in multiple boxes, indicate the number of boxes sent on the submission form.
• Contact the Laboratory with any questions.

Revised 09-2025. Printable version available here.