Brucellosis (sheep)

Description

Ovine brucellosis is caused by Brucella ovis which is carried by sexually mature rams and spread by direct contact or passive venereal infection. Clinically affected rams have a history of infertility and present with palpable lesions of the epididymis. Although not common, ewes infected with Brucella ovis can occasionally abort. Actinobacillus seminis is another potentially infectious organism which can cause epididymitis and can be tested as a differential diagnosis.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the result of a clinical examination and serology, supported in some cases by bacteriological culture or PCR of semen. Ram semen culture package includes testing for B. ovis. A. seminis and H. somni.

Tests available

Test	Sample(s) required	Days of the week test is conducted	Turnaround time¹
Brucella ovis CFT	Clotted blood (red top tube)	Monday – Friday	Up to 5 working days
Brucella ovis Ab ELISA	Clotted blood (red top tube)	Monday - Friday	Up to 5 working days
Culture for Brucella ovis	Fresh tissue, semen or swab	Monday – Saturday²	7 days
Histopathology	Fixed tissue	Monday - Friday	Up to 5 days
Brucella ovis PCR	PCR from culture	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

Blood (without anti-coagulant)
At least 2 ml of serum collected in a plain red top tube. Submit chilled. Clearly record the date of collection on the Specimen Advice Form as samples must arrive at laboratory and be tested within 48 hours of collection.
Fixed tissue
Fixed testis Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue.
Fresh tissue
Testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands, including ampullae and seminal vesicles. Submit chilled.

Note

Blood samples collected in vacutainer containing separation gel are not suitable for Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Plain tubes are recommended for blood collection.

Further Information

Further information on the ovine brucellosis accreditation scheme is available from NSW Ovine Brucellosis Accredited Free Flock Scheme.

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
Email	laboratory.services@dpird.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 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

Provide clear documentation on the Specimen Advice Form with a key list of each animal’s identification.

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