QX disease of oysters
Description
QX is a seasonally occurring disease of Sydney Rock Oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) known to have caused impacts in a limited number of estuaries in NSW. QX disease is caused by a protozoan parasite (Marteilia sydneyi). This organism has a lifecycle which is thought to involve at least two hosts. The oyster is the host in which the parasite sporulates. Infected oysters show non-specific signs including lack of growth, loss of condition and pale digestive glands on gross inspection.
Diagnosis and tests available
Diagnosis
For the best diagnostic outcome please submit affected oysters. Cytology and histopathology are confirmatory tests.
Tests available
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
|---|---|---|---|
Cytology examination (Digestive gland impression smears) | Whole fresh oysters | Monday – Friday | Up to 5 days |
Histopathology examination | Fixed tissue | Monday –Friday | Up to 5 days |
Necropsy examination | Whole fresh oysters | Monday – Friday | Same day |
QX PCR2 | Fresh tissues removed at necropsy of whole oysters | On demand | Variable |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2 The test is not NATA accredited
Additional Information
Specimen requirements
| Fixed tissue |
|---|
|
| Fresh oysters |
|
Further information
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 | |
|---|---|
| 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 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
Submission Forms
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.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 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 | Street Address |
|---|---|---|
Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |
