Chlamydiosis

Chlamydial abortion (sheep)

Also known as Enzootic abortion of ewes

Chlamydial abortion of sheep, due to Chlamydia abortus infection, is a notifiable exotic disease.
Chlamydia abortus is a zoonotic agent.

Description

Enzootic abortion of ewes, due to Chlamydia abortus has never occurred in Australia. Chlamydial infection (presumably Chlamydia pecorum) has been reported rarely in NSW in association with placentitis and abortion; however, Chlamydia pecorum is not regarded as a significant cause of abortion. Chlamydia abortus causes late term abortions or stillbirths, or birth of weak lambs. Post mortem findings include a chronic placentitis with thickening of the chorioallantois and cotyledons may be matted by dirty-red exudate. The foetus is usually well preserved but may have few gross lesions.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on post mortem and histopathology examinations of the foetus and placenta, serology and PCR detection of Chlamydia.

Tests available

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
C_ABOR_RT	Chlamydia abortus qPCR*	Fresh tissue Swabs	Ovine, Caprine, various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
CHLAM_CF	Chlamydia CFT	Clotted blood (Red top) Serum (Red top)	Bovine, Ovine, Caprine, other species	Up to 5D	$20.30	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday – Friday
CHLAMO_MLT	Chlamydia abortion multiplex - Ovine PCR panel (Includes C.abortus, C.genus, and C.pecorum)*	Placenta, Abomasal fluid Placenta and stomach contents collected from post mortem Submit chilled	Ovine	5D	$137.80	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
C_PEC_RT	Chlamydia pecorum qPCR*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint Fluid Fresh spleen, fresh lung, fresh brain, fresh liver or abortion tissues	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
CHLAM_PCRC	Chlamydia spp PCR (Conventional PCR)*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint fluid Fresh Tissues- spleen, lung, brain, liver, abortion tissues From Real-time PCR	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
CHLAMY_PCR	Chlamydia Real-time qPCR*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint fluid Fresh Tissues- spleen, lung, brain, liver, abortion tissues	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
HIST_HE1	Histopathology – Preparation & Examination	Fixed Tissues- General Fresh tissues immediately placed in formalin Tissue pieces should not be greater than 1cm cubed to ensure proper fixation Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues Submission of whole brain is required to ensure preservation of TSE target sites submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue Brains submitted for Nervous tissues are processed once a week, separate to general tissues to ensure consistent and reliable results. Urgent cases can be processed out of cycle if clearly marked on the Submission Form however this may reduce the quality of the brain histology results, so should only be requested in extremely urgent cases. Fresh Tissues Fresh tissues can be submitted following necropsy The quality of the tissues will be reduced due to the effects of autolysis so ideally fixed tissue should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue	All species	Up to 10D	$84.95	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday - Friday
PM_FSHEEP	Post Mortem Large Animal- Sheep Foetus	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Ovine	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$76.95	1 sheep foetus Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand

Note:
Positive Chlamydia Real-time PCR requires further speciation between C. abortus and C. pecorum

Additional specimen requirement information

Aborted foetus

Aborted foetus
Whole foetus and placenta Submit chilled in insulated container

Blood (without anti-coagulant)

Blood (without anti-coagulant)
Blood (including at least 2 ml of serum) from aborting animals, taken in the acute and convalescent stages of the disease (3 to 4 weeks apart) and from 5-10 in-contact animals Collected into a plain red top tube Submit chilled Blood samples collected in vacutainer containing separation gel are not suitable for complement fixation test

Fixed tissue

Fixed tissue
Placenta, liver, adrenal gland, lung, kidney, brain, spleen and other tissues as indicated by gross examination collected from post mortem Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin:tissue

Fresh tissue

Fresh tissue
Placenta, liver, adrenal gland, lung, kidney, brain, spleen, stomach contents collected from post mortem Submit chilled

Chlamydial abortion (horse)

Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic agent, capable of causing significant illness in humans

Description

Studies suggest that horses can be hosts of Chlamydia psittaci, and infections can cause respiratory disease and foetal abortion in horses. Chlamydia psittaci has been detected in several equine abortions in 2015 and 2016, which provides strong support for its role as the etiological agent, and should be considered in these investigations.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and PCR detection of Chlamydia.

Tests available

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
C_ABOR_RT	Chlamydia abortus qPCR*	Fresh tissue Swabs	Ovine, Caprine, various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
CHLAME_MLT	Chlamydia abortion multiplex - Equine PCR panel (Includes C.abortus, C.genus, and C.psittaci)*	Fresh Tissue- Placenta and Lung Placenta and lung collected from post mortem Submit chilled	Equine	5D	$137.80	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
C_PSIT_RT	Chlamydia psittaci PCR (Real-time PCR)*	Fresh Tissue Swab (PBGS or dry)	Equine, Avian (Poultry & Non-Poultry)	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
PM_FHORSE	Post Mortem Large Animal- Horse Foetus	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Equine	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$76.95	1 horse foetus Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand

Additional specimen requirement information

Fresh tissue

Fresh tissue
Foetal liver, lung and spleen collected from post mortem Submit chilled

Swabs

Swabs
Two swabs collected aseptically are preferred Swab 1: multiples sites across the placenta Swab 2: multiple sites across the foetus Submit chilled

Chlamydial arthritis (sheep, cattle)

Description

Chlamydial polyarthritis of lambs and calves is caused by Chlamydia pecorum. In New South Wales Chlamydial arthritis occurs relatively commonly in lambs. It typically affects weaned lambs up to about six months of age. Chlamydial polyarthritis of calves is rare. Affected animals are usually febrile and walk with a stiff, proppy gait. Affected joints are usually, but not always, swollen. Affected joints usually contain increased synovial fluid and fibrin. Concurrent conjunctivitis may be present in infected sheep. Chronically infected joints may show hyperplasia of synovial villi and fibrous thickening.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, post mortem and histopathology examinations, serology and PCR detection of Chlamydia.

Tests available

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
CHLAM_CF	Chlamydia CFT	Clotted blood (Red top) Serum (Red top)	Bovine, Ovine, Caprine, other species	Up to 5D	$20.30	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday – Friday
C_PEC_RT	Chlamydia pecorum qPCR*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint Fluid Fresh spleen, fresh lung, fresh brain, fresh liver or abortion tissues	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
CHLAM_PCRC	Chlamydia spp PCR (Conventional PCR)*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint fluid Fresh Tissues- spleen, lung, brain, liver, abortion tissues From Real-time PCR	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
CHLAMY_PCR	Chlamydia Real-time qPCR*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint fluid Fresh Tissues- spleen, lung, brain, liver, abortion tissues	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
HIST_HE1	Histopathology – Preparation & Examination	Fixed Tissues- General Fresh tissues immediately placed in formalin Tissue pieces should not be greater than 1cm cubed to ensure proper fixation Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues Submission of whole brain is required to ensure preservation of TSE target sites submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue Brains submitted for Nervous tissues are processed once a week, separate to general tissues to ensure consistent and reliable results. Urgent cases can be processed out of cycle if clearly marked on the Submission Form however this may reduce the quality of the brain histology results, so should only be requested in extremely urgent cases. Fresh Tissues Fresh tissues can be submitted following necropsy The quality of the tissues will be reduced due to the effects of autolysis so ideally fixed tissue should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue	All species	Up to 10D	$84.95	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday - Friday
PM_COW	Post Mortem Large Animal- Cow	Please Note: Post mortems for companion animals and equines are only performed with prior approval by veterinary pathology services, and additional fees may be relevant for complex cases. For large animals, please contact the laboratory to discuss logistics of carcase receival and delivery. Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Bovine	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	POA	1 cow Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_SHEEP	Post Mortem Large Animal- Sheep	Please Note: Post mortems for companion animals and equines are only performed with prior approval by veterinary pathology services, and additional fees may be relevant for complex cases. For large animals, please contact the laboratory to discuss logistics of carcase receival and delivery. Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Ovine	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	POA	1 sheep Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand

Note:
Positive Chlamydia Real-time PCR requires further speciation between C. abortus and C. pecorum

Additional specimen requirement information

Blood (without anti-coagulant)

Blood (without anti-coagulant)
Blood (including at least 2 ml of serum) from identified animals, taken in the acute and convalescent stages of the disease (3 to 4 weeks apart) and from 5-10 in-contact animals Collect in a plain red top tube Submit chilled

Fixed tissue

Fixed tissue
Whole affected joint(s) and other tissues as indicated by gross examination collected from post mortem Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin:tissue

Fresh tissue

Fresh tissue
Whole affected joint Submit chilled

Swab

Swab
Swab collected aseptically from affected joints Submit chilled

Sporadic bovine encephalopathy (cattle)

Description

Sporadic bovine encephalomyelitis, caused by Chlamydia pecorum infection, occurs mainly in young cattle less than a year old. Affected animals develop fever before progressing to clinical signs of depression, salivation, diarrhoea, anorexia, weight loss, incoordination, staggering, with recumbency and opisthotonus at the terminal stage.

The clinical presentation is variable and signs include fever, dullness, rapid loss of condition, general stiffness or lameness, occasional weakness or ataxia. Some animals progress to recumbency and death. Neurological signs may not be obvious. There is usually no evidence of arthritis.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, post mortem and histopathology examinations, serology and PCR detection of Chlamydia.

Tests available

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
CHLAM_CF	Chlamydia CFT	Clotted blood (Red top) Serum (Red top)	Bovine, Ovine, Caprine, other species	Up to 5D	$20.30	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday – Friday
C_PEC_RT	Chlamydia pecorum qPCR*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint Fluid Fresh spleen, fresh lung, fresh brain, fresh liver or abortion tissues	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
CHLAM_PCRC	Chlamydia spp PCR (Conventional PCR)*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint fluid Fresh Tissues- spleen, lung, brain, liver, abortion tissues From Real-time PCR	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
CHLAMY_PCR	Chlamydia Real-time qPCR*	Dry or PBGS swab Joint fluid Fresh Tissues- spleen, lung, brain, liver, abortion tissues	Various	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
HIST_HE1	Histopathology – Preparation & Examination	Fixed Tissues- General Fresh tissues immediately placed in formalin Tissue pieces should not be greater than 1cm cubed to ensure proper fixation Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues Submission of whole brain is required to ensure preservation of TSE target sites submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue Brains submitted for Nervous tissues are processed once a week, separate to general tissues to ensure consistent and reliable results. Urgent cases can be processed out of cycle if clearly marked on the Submission Form however this may reduce the quality of the brain histology results, so should only be requested in extremely urgent cases. Fresh Tissues Fresh tissues can be submitted following necropsy The quality of the tissues will be reduced due to the effects of autolysis so ideally fixed tissue should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue	All species	Up to 10D	$84.95	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday - Friday
PM_COW	Post Mortem Large Animal- Cow	Please Note: Post mortems for companion animals and equines are only performed with prior approval by veterinary pathology services, and additional fees may be relevant for complex cases. For large animals, please contact the laboratory to discuss logistics of carcase receival and delivery. Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Bovine	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	POA	1 cow Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand

Note:
Positive Chlamydia Real-time PCR requires further speciation between C. abortus and C. pecorum

Additional specimen requirement information

Blood (without anti-coagulant)

Blood (without anti-coagulant)
Red top (serum) collected from identified animals, taken in the acute and convalescent stages of the disease (3 to 4 weeks apart) and from 5-10 in-contact animals. Collected in a plain red top tube Submit chilled

Fresh tissue

Fresh tissue
Brain, liver, spleen and other organ with evidence of serositis collected from post mortem Submit chilled

Fixed tissue

Fixed tissue
Brain, liver, spleen, kidney and other organs with evidence of serositis collected from post mortem Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin:tissue

Avian chlamydiosis

Chlamydiosis in poultry and other birds is a notifiable disease in NSW
Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic agent, capable of causing significant illness in humans (psittacosis)

Description

Avian chlamydiosis is caused by Chlamydia psittaci, occurs worldwide and has been identified in over 35 avian species, particularly caged birds (commonly psittacines). Turkeys, ducks and pigeons can also be affected. Disease can by subclinical or acute, subacute or chronic and present with respiratory, digestive or systemic clinical signs.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, post mortem and histopathology examinations, serology and PCR detection of Chlamydia.

Tests available

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
AVCHL_QPCR	Chlamydia (Avian) Panel PCR (includes Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia avium and Chlamydia gallinacea)*	Dry or PBGS swab (Nasal, tracheal, conjunctival and/or cloacal) Fresh spleen, fresh lung	Avian (general)	5D	$137.80	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
NPCHL_QPCR	Chlamydia (Non-Poultry Avian) Panel PCR (includes Chlamydia genus, Chlamydia avium and Chlamydia psittaci)*	Dry or PBGS swab (Nasal, tracheal, conjunctival and/or cloacal) Fresh spleen, fresh lung	Avian (non-poultry)	5D	$137.80	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
PCHL_QPCR	Chlamydia (Poultry) Panel PCR (includes Chlamydia genus, Chlamydia gallinacea and Chlamydia psittaci)*	Dry or PBGS swab (Nasal, tracheal, conjunctival and/or cloacal) Fresh spleen, fresh lung	Avian (poultry)	5D	$137.80	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
C_PSIT_RT	Chlamydia psittaci PCR (Real-time PCR)*	Fresh Tissue Swab (PBGS or dry)	Equine, Avian (Poultry & Non-Poultry)	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	As required
HIST_HE1	Histopathology – Preparation & Examination	Fixed Tissues- General Fresh tissues immediately placed in formalin Tissue pieces should not be greater than 1cm cubed to ensure proper fixation Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues Submission of whole brain is required to ensure preservation of TSE target sites submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue Brains submitted for Nervous tissues are processed once a week, separate to general tissues to ensure consistent and reliable results. Urgent cases can be processed out of cycle if clearly marked on the Submission Form however this may reduce the quality of the brain histology results, so should only be requested in extremely urgent cases. Fresh Tissues Fresh tissues can be submitted following necropsy The quality of the tissues will be reduced due to the effects of autolysis so ideally fixed tissue should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue	All species	Up to 10D	$84.95	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday - Friday
PM_BIRD	Post Mortem Aviary/Pet Bird (Small to Medium)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Bird	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$115.45	1 (small to medium) bird Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_LBIRD	Post Mortem Aviary/Pet Bird (large)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Bird	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$153.90	1 (large) bird Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_CHICKS	Post Mortem Chicks	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Birds & Poultry	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$41.05	1 chick Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_POULTRY	Post Mortem Poultry (3 or less animals) (cost per animal)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Poultry	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$115.45	3 or less animals per 1 submission. Cost is per animal. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_POULT_2	Post Mortem Poultry (4-6 animals) (cost per animal)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Poultry	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$96.25	4 to 6 animals per 1 submission. Cost is per animal. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_POULT_3	Post Mortem Poultry (7 or more animals) (cost per animal)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Poultry	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$89.80	7 or more animals per 1 submission. Cost is per animal. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_TURKEY	Post Mortem Turkey (3 or less animals) (cost per animal)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Poultry	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$153.90	3 or less animals per 1 submission. Cost is per animal. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_TURKEY2	Post Mortem Turkey (4 to 6 animals) (cost per animal)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Avian- Poultry	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$128.30	4 to 6 animals per 1 submission. Cost is per animal. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand

Additional specimen requirement information

Fresh tissue

Fresh tissue
Brain, liver, spleen and other organ with evidence of serositis collected from post mortem Submit chilled

Fixed tissue

Fixed tissue
Liver, lung, air sacs, heart and other organs with evidence of serositis collected from post mortem Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin:tissue

Swab

Swab
Conjunctival, choanal, cloacal swabs Collected aseptically Submit chilled

Additional Information

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

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