 A polymerase chain reaction test on a blood sample from affected animals will confirm a suspected case by identifying the viral DNA , though it is now common to start famciclovir treatment at the earliest possible moment rather than waiting for confirmation of the case . Prior to the development of the test , or in circumstances where it is not available , the disease may be misdiagnosed as any of a number of other conditions which have a quick onset leading to rapid death , including encephalomyocarditis and salmonellosis . 
