Also known as Prion disease or Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Also known as Scrapie in sheep and goats.
The transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) group of diseases includes bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie of sheep. TSEs are caused by an infectious prion protein (altered form of host protein) resulting in progressive change in behaviour and neurological signs of affected animals. Australia is currently free of all TSEs of livestock.
The National TSE Surveillance Program (NTSESP) is a national program jointly funded by government and industry to demonstrate Australia's ongoing freedom from BSE and scrapie, and to provide early detection of those diseases should they occur. The NTSESP provides payments for producers, private veterinarians and government agencies for the submission of specimens for laboratory testing from adult cattle and sheep with progressive neurological disease.
Cattle and sheep and goats must fit the following criteria to be eligible for the NTSESP:
The following documentation is required for TSE testing:
Initial screening for a TSE is done by histopathology of three standard TSE sites in the formalin-fixed, whole brain. If a negative histopathologic diagnosis cannot be made, samples are sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) for additional testing.
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
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Histopathology examination | Fixed tissue – Three standard TSE brain sites | Monday –Friday | Up to 2 weeks |
Immunohistochemistry for prion protein – outsourced test | Unstained slides (provided by the lab) | Immediate | Up to 5 days |
Other tests as required on fresh spinal cord – outsourced test | Fresh tissue | Immediate | Up to 5 days |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
Fixed tissue |
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Fresh tissue |
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Other samples |
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Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
NSW DPI's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.
CONTACT DETAILS | |
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Phone | 1800 675 623 |
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 |
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
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 |
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Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |