Brucellosis (cattle)
- Bovine brucellosis, caused by Brucella abortus, is a notifiable disease.
- Brucella abortus is a zoonotic agent, capable of causing serious illness in humans.
- Bovine brucellosis is considered an Emergency Animal Disease (EAD). Testing for EAD’s must be approved by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). Approval can be sought by contacting the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Description
Bovine brucellosis is a highly contagious disease caused by Brucella abortus. Australia has been free of the disease since 1989 and now bovine brucellosis is considered to be exotic to Australia. The major clinical feature of infection is multiple late term abortions and infertility in cattle.
Diagnosis and tests available
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is strongly supported by history, clinical signs, and confirmed by positive culture and serology for Brucella spp.
Tests available
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
|---|---|---|---|
Brucella abortus CFT | Clotted blood (red top tube) | Monday to Friday | Up to 5 days |
Brucella abortus ELISA | Clotted blood (red top tube) | Thursday and Friday | Up to 5-7 days |
Brucella abortus RBT | Clotted blood (red top tube) | Monday to Friday | Up to 5 days |
Brucella abortus SAT | Clotted blood (red top tube) | Wednesday and Thursday | Up to 5 days |
Culture for Brucella spp. | Fresh tissue or body fluids | Monday to Saturday2 | 7 days |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2 Prior approval of delivery and testing on Saturday is required. Please contact Customer Service on 1800 675 623 to seek approval.
Additional Information
Specimen requirements
Specimens as required for the diagnosis of abortion in cattle (see Abortion Investigation)
| Blood (without anti-coagulant) - submit chilled |
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| Body fluids - submit chilled |
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| Fresh tissue - submit chilled |
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Note
- Provide clear documentation on the Veterinary specimen advice form of each animal including the animal that aborted.
- Blood samples collected in vacutainer containing separation gel are not suitable for Complement Fixation Test (CFT) or Rose Bengal Test (RBT). Plain tubes (red top) are recommended for blood collection.
- Fees for tests undertaken to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of bovine brucellosis are paid by NSW Department of Primary Industries Regional Development (DPIRD).
Customer Service
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 | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 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
Submission Forms
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.
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |
