Detection of mink enteritis virus in mink feces, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hemagglutination, and electron microscopy

Twenty-five mink were inoculated with mink enteritis virus (MEV). Fecal specimens were collected daily and were simultaneously evaluated for MEV antigen by use of a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hemagglutination (HA), and electron microscopy. Results of the evaluations indicated that MEV was shed in the feces on postinoculation days 5 and 6. The virus was not detectable by ELISA or HA after postinoculation day 6, although viruses were found in reduced numbers by use of electron microscopy. The ELISA was specific for MEV, and the sensitivity of the ELISA for MEV was comparable with that of HA.