Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Assay

Agar gel immunodiffusion assay (AGID) is a laboratory test which detects specific antigen-antibody interactions by the development of visible precipitation lines in a semisolid matrix. Here we describe the preparation of agar gel plates, the method to test serum samples by AGID for the presence of EHDV antibodies, and the interpretation of test results. This test has known cross-reactivity to bluetongue antibodies; therefore positive samples by this assay require additional confirmatory testing; generally, its use should be limited to healthy animal attestations where required.