Dermatophilosis

Description

Dermatophilosis is a superficial, exudative dermatitis caused by infection with Dermatophilus congolensis. It is more common in hot, humid environments and in areas with heavy rain. Many species are affected, including cattle, sheep, goats and horses.

Clinically affected animals present with lesions which begin as small papules and pustules. As they develop they become covered by exudate, and entrapped hairs within the developing crust. Forced removal of the crusts reveals a hyperaemic, moist base, which may bleed. Most lesions are distributed along areas of the skin which are exposed to prolonged wetting.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on gross appearance of the lesions, demonstration of Dermatophilus congolensis microscopically and histopathology.

Tests available

Test	Sample(s) required	Days of the week test is conducted	Turnaround time¹
Culture for Dermatophilus species	Fresh tissue or scab	Monday – Saturday²	7 days
Histopathology examination	Fixed tissue	Monday –Friday	Up to 5 days

¹Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
²Prior approval of delivery and testing on Saturday is required. Please contact Customer Service on 1800 675 623 to seek approval.

Additional Information

Specimen requirements

Fixed tissue
Skin biopsy from areas with lesions submitted fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin:tissue
Scabs, scrapings or impression smears
Scabs with underlying tissue scrapings or impression smears made by pressing the ventral, moist surface of a thick scab directly onto a slide. Submit chilled in a sealed container

Customer Service

Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.

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CONTACT DETAILS
Phone	1800 675 623
Email	laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Operating Hours	8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only)
Postal Address	Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567

Quotations

For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request

For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957

For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103

Submission Forms

Veterinary Specimen Advice Form

Courier services and specimen delivery

For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.

For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.

Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.

Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).

Sample Type	Laboratory	Delivery Address
Animal (including aquatic animals)	NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL)	EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568