Division 4 Standard set of samples for virological or serological laboratory testing

For the investigation of a holding suspected of being infected with the AI virus the standard set of samples for virological or serological testing, as referred to in points (a) and (b) (the standard samples), must be taken and submitted directly for virological and serological laboratory tests.

1. (a)

   The standard set of samples for virological testing is:

   1. (i)

      at least five sick/dead birds, if present; and/or

   2. (ii)

      at least 20 tracheal/oropharyngeal and 20 cloacal swabs.

   Carcases must be taken of birds that have died recently or that are severely sick or moribund and have been killed humanely.

   Swabs must be taken from the number of birds referred to in point (a) or from all birds on the suspected holding where a smaller number of birds are present. Birds showing clinical disease signs must be targeted for sampling.

   The cloacal swabs must be coated in faeces (optimum 1 g). If for any reason it is impracticable to take cloacal swabs from live birds, carefully collected fresh faeces samples may serve as an alternative.

   Frequently, it is most practical to collect tracheal/oropharyngeal swabs from the buccal cavity.

   As soon as the growth characteristics of the virus are known, the competent authority may decide to choose either tracheal/oropharyngeal or cloacal swabs rather than to collect both depending on whether the virus replicates better in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract and also taking into account the species concerned.

2. (b)

   The standard set of samples for serological testing is a minimum of 20 blood samples.

   Samples must be taken from the number of birds referred to in point (b) or from all birds on the holding where a smaller number of birds are present. Birds appearing sick or that have apparently recovered must be targeted for sampling.

   The competent authority may decide that the full range of standard samples need not be taken, but that a subset of the standard samples may be taken instead.