VLS PCR-X Reproductive Disease Panel

Pathogen Identification for Reproductive Disease Management

Beef & Dairy Cattle, Sheep & Goats
x21 PATHOGENS
Genital swab SAMPLE TYPE
48 hrs* TURNAROUND

Full Disease & Pathogen Target List • 21 Pathogens

BACTERIA • 11

  • Listeria spp.
  • Campylobacter lari / jejuni
  • Brucella spp.
  • Chlamydia abortus Exotic
  • Histophilus somni
  • Coxiella burnetii
  • Francisella tularensis Exotic
  • Trueperella pyogenes
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Leptospira spp.
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum

VIRUS • 7

  • Rift Valley Fever virus Exotic
  • Border Disease virus / BDV
  • Bovine viral diarrhoea virus
  • Akabane virus
  • Schmallenberg virus Exotic
  • Bovine alphaherpesvirus
  • Bluetongue virus

PARASITE • 3

  • Neospora caninum
  • Tritrichomonas foetus
  • Toxoplasma gondii

Exotic = exotic disease, not currently established / present in Australia.

VLS PCR-X = qPCR qualitative results

Sample Collection Guide

  • Primary sample

    Female – Vaginal (genital) swab or Male – Preputial (genital) swab

  • What to use

    Flocked (nylon, polyester, rayon tip), plastic shaft dry swab or Tri-camper tool. Alternative swabs such as plastic shaft cotton may be used – contact VLS on sampling.

  • How to store

    Cold (fridge): 24-48 hrs max. Advise Freezing (-20°C) if available, for >48 hr delays.**

    **Transportation / storage: Timing matters for PCR test sensitivity. Refrigerate immediately after collection. Transport within 24 hours (faeces) & 24-48 hours (Swabs / Milk) if possible. If that’s not possible, VLS advises freezing (-20°C) where possible and to avoid thawing.

  • How to collect

    Vaginal: Clean area with water / saline first. Insert swab a short way in, turn gently, seal in tube.***

    Prepuce: Insert swab into prepuce, move back and forth vigorously to collect mucus, seal in tube. Add PBS or dip swab / tool in PBS before storing (if available).

    ***Swabs per site: collect 1 swab minimum per site. 2-3 swabs preferred 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.