24 September 2021
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| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
Notice to Industry 17: Sampling requirements for Equine Influenza testing PDF  |
1 | 164 KB |
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Introduction
The import conditions for horses requires testing during the quarantine period for equine influenza virus by validated pan-reactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the matrix gene for influenza A virus. This document outlines the sampling materials and technique for obtaining the nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from horses (or nasal swabs from foals under 6 months of age) during the post-arrival quarantine period at the Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine facility and Approved Arrangement sites.
This document is provided for information only. To the extent that this document is inconsistent with any import permit or direction, the terms and conditions of the import permit or direction take precedence and will apply. Failure to comply with a condition of an import permit, direction, industry notice or authorisation to enter a quarantine facility may constitute an offence.
Sampling materials
NPS: 16-20” (8” for foals under 6 months of age) sterile swab with polypropylene stick and large cotton head (not guarded uterine swabs).
Sample collection vials: 50ml freeze-able vial.
Media: Viral transport media – 8ml per vial.
Procedure for collecting samples
Media for NPS may be stored unfrozen for up to two weeks. Frozen media must be thawed slowly prior to use with samples, either thawed at room temperature or in the fridge over 2 - 24 hours.
Please follow this procedure for collecting NPS samples:
- Remove the NPS from its packaging.
Optional: you may dip the NPS in saline solution at this point. - Collect the sample ensuring the NPS reaches all the way to the nasopharynx.
- Place the tip of the NPS in the 50ml collection vial and cut to appropriate length to fit into the vial.
- Ensure the NPS tip is sitting in the media at the base of the collection vial.
- Ensure the vial is closed tightly and is appropriately labelled. At a minimum, this must include the animal’s name/identification and the date collected.