Also known as cyanobacteria
Potentially toxic cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, may form dense blooms in fresh water bodies. This may be seen as a thick green coat or scum within the upper water layer and surface. Blooms are mainly a problem in late summer and autumn. They are associated with nutrient over-enrichment due to factors such as animals defecating and urinating in the water or fertiliser run-off. Many blooms are not toxic, but all should be considered potentially so. A range of cyanobacterial genera and species have been described including Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabaena circinalis. Different cyanobacteria may produce hepatoxins and/or neurotoxins.
Affected animals may be found dead. Clinical signs due to neurotoxins may include: muscle tremor, staggering, salivation, hyperaesthesia, diarrhoea and recumbency. Clinical signs due to hepatotoxins may include: anorexia, dehydration, jaundice, hypersensitivity or stupor, photosensitivity and recumbency.
Diagnosis is based on the visible presence of an algal bloom in animals’ drinking water confirmed by microscopic examination for blue green algae.
Click on + in the tables below for sampling requirements and additional test information
Code | Name | Samples required | Species | Turnaround time | Price (excl. GST) | Notes | Test days | |
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TOXICALGAE | Blue-green algae – microscopic examination | Water and Scum
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Contact Customer Service |
POA |
Contact Customer Service |
External test |
THIS TEST IS CURRENTLY OUTSOURCED |
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HIST_HE1 | Histopathology – Preparation & Examination | Fixed Tissues- General
Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues
Fresh Tissues
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All species |
Up to 10D |
$78.65 |
D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. |
Monday - Friday |
Please Note: Additional sample requirements for Histopathology
Fixed tissue |
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NSW DPIRD general information on blue-green algae.
Note: Microscopic confirmation of the presence of cyanobacteria indicates the possibility of cyanobacterial poisoning but does not confirm that the bloom is toxic.
Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
NSW DPIRD'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 DPIRD AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPIRD AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
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 APHL 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 | Street Address |
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Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |