Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)

Also known as Prion disease or Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Also known as Scrapie in sheep and goats.


Description

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:

  • Cattle must be at least 30 months but less than nine years of age.  They must have at least two clinical signs consistent with BSE as per the checklist on the NTSESP Clinical history and post-mortem report form.
  • Sheep and goats must 18 months of age or older.  They must have at least two clinical signs consistent with scrapie as per the checklist on the NTSESP Clinical history and post-mortem report form.

The following documentation is required for TSE testing:

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

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.

Tests available

Test

Sample(s) required

Days of the week test is conducted

Turnaround time1

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.

Note

Additional Information

Specimen requirements

Fixed tissue
  • Whole brain, being particularly careful not to damage the three standard TSE sites
    • Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue
  • Other fixed tissues as necessary to check for alternative diagnoses
    • Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue
Fresh tissue
  • 2-3 cm length of cervical spinal cord and/or medulla caudal to the obex
    • Submit chilled
  • For sheep also submit the dorsal (top) third of the cerebellum via a horizontal approach. Use caution to remove only the top third as more may damage the TSE standard site 2.
    • Submit chilled
Other samples
  • Submit other specimens, (e.g. bloods, fresh tissues) as necessary to make an alternative diagnosis

Customer Service

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

Phone1800 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

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