Effects of swab materials on infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus.

The recovery rates of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus from swab materials were compared. The adsorptive and elutive properties of cotton, polyester, and calcium alginate wool were examined by direct exposure of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus to swab materials in buffered tissue culture medium. Calcium alginate wool was virucidal; this was apparent after 2 hours' exposure. Cotton and polyester swab materials exhibited little virucidal effects. The addition of wooden applicator sticks with the swab materials reduced viral titers further.