Theileriosis (cattle)

Description

Bovine anaemia caused by the Theileria orientalis group has emerged as a disease in NSW in recent years. Presence of non-pathogenic type Theileria orientalis buffeli in red blood cells in Australian cattle, has not previously been associated with clinical signs. Pathogenic sub-types Theileria orientalis Ikeda and to a lesser degree Theileria orientalis Chitose have now been identified in Australia in association with the development of anaemia in naïve cattle. Pathogenic types Theileria parva (East Coast Fever) and Theileria annulata (tropical theileriosis) cause more serious disease and are exotic to Australia.

Bush ticks are suspected to spread Theileria in NSW but further research is required as other means of transmission are suspected.

Clinical signs include pale mucous membranes, jaundice, tachypnoea, tachycardia, weakness/lethargy/exercise intolerance/inappetance, fever, abortion/stillbirth, reduced milk production. Haemoglobinuria is not a feature.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is suggested by history of movement of cattle between endemic and non-endemic areas and clinical signs and is confirmed by blood smear examination for regenerative anaemia and Theileria parasites in red blood cells.

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
TMPSP_PCR	Theileria orientalis qPCR	EDTA (Purple top) 10 ml of blood collected into an EDTA purple top tube. Submit chilled. Lith Hep (Green top) 10 ml of blood collected into a lithium heparin green top tube. Submit chilled. Fresh spleen Clotted blood (Red top) 10 ml of blood collected into a plain red top tube. Submit chilled.	Bovine	5D	$85.85	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	On demand
THEIL_EXM	Theileria Blood smear examination - Blood parasites in thin blood or tissue film	EDTA blood (Purple top)	Bovine	POA*	$34.25	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. * Contact Customer Service	On request
THEI_AN_PR	Theileria annulata qPCR*	EDTA blood (Purple top)	Bovine	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.
THEI_PV_PR	Theileria parva qPCR*	EDTA blood (Purple top)	Bovine	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.

Additional Sample Information

Note
Blood samples (EDTA and Lith-Hep) without anti-coagulant sample type can be used to determine presence/absence of the parasite, however gene copy information will not apply

Additional Information

Customer Service

Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.

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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