Testing of deceased animals for staggering disease
Background and purpose of the trial
Staggering disease has been recognized in domestic cats in Europe for over 50 years, but has been found only once outside of Europe, in 2023 in a wild mountain lion in Colorado. We are now conducting surveillance to help determine the extent of this disease in the United States and are requesting submission of suspect cases for testing.
condition(s)
eligibility information
Enrollment for prospective cases is limited to domestic cats that have been euthanized for signs of hind limb ataxia. Retrospective cases from other species will be considered on a limited basis. Testing can only be performed on deceased animals. If a case meets prospective case submission criteria, testing provided will include a full necropsy with histopathology, and testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, rabies virus, and rustrela virus (the cause of staggering disease).
Enrollment Deadline
Enrollment ends March 31, 2027
contact information
Submit case information through our submission portal on our staggering disease website.
