Pathogen Identification for Gastrointestinal Disease Management
Beef & Dairy Cattle, Sheep & Goats
x20 PATHOGENS 
Faeces (>5 g) SAMPLE TYPE 
48 hrs* TURNAROUND Full Disease & Pathogen Target List • 20 Pathogens
BACTERIA • 9
- Salmonella spp.
- Mycobacterium paratuberculosis
- Clostridium perfringens
- Campylobacter lari / jejuni
- Shigella spp.
- Enteroaggregative E. coli
- Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
- Enteropathogenic E. coli
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli
VIRUS • 8
- Bovine adenovirus
- Bovine coronavirus
- Bovine rotavirus
- Nebovirus
- Norovirus
- Bovine torovirus
- Peste des petits ruminants virus Exotic
- Bovine viral diarrhoea virus
PARASITE • 3
- Cryptosporidium parvum
- Giardia lamblia
- Entamoeba histolytica
Exotic = exotic disease, not currently established / present in Australia.
VLS PCR-X = qPCR qualitative results
Sample Collection Guide
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Primary sample
Faeces / dung (>5 g)
Alternative — Rectal Swab
Flocked (nylon) swab in a dry sterile tube. Insert 2–3 cm into the rectum, turn gently, then place into the tube. Store and freeze as per swab guidance. -
What to use
Clean container (no swab needed)
-
How to store
Cold (fridge) 24hrs. Advise freezing if >24-hour delays.
-
How to collect
Collect 10-15 g (walnut size, ~2-3 teaspoons). Seal in container.**
**Faeces amount: 10-15 g minimum (walnut-sized, ~2-3 teaspoons) to enable re-confirmation if needed.
*From laboratory receipt.
Golden Rules
- Nylon (flocked) and plastic shaft cotton swabs will ensure quality results.
- Even a dry swab must go into the tube given — do not send it loose or wrapped in paper.
- Close tubes and containers tightly. Only open to add the sample.
- Keep every sample cold (fridge) right after collection. Avoid hot environments.
- Write the animal’s name / number and today’s date on every sample.
- If transport is delayed, freeze — avoid >48 hour at fridge temperature.