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Division 1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE AGENTF1F2F3

United Kingdom

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

The demonstration by modified acid-fast or immunospecific staining of organisms of Brucella morphology in abortion material, vaginal discharges or milk provides presumptive evidence of brucellosis, especially if supported by serological tests. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods provide additional means of detection.

Whenever possible, Brucella spp. should be isolated using plain or selective media by culture from uterine discharges, aborted foetuses, udder secretions or selected tissues, such as lymph nodes and male and female reproductive organs.

After isolation, the species and biovar shall be identified by phage lysis and/or oxidative metabolism tests, cultural, biochemical and serological criteria. PCR can provide both a complementary and biotyping method based on specific genomic sequences.

The techniques and media used, their standardisation and the interpretation of results must conform to that specified in the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, Sixth Edition, 2008, Chapter 2.4.3 (bovine brucellosis), Chapter 2.7.2 (caprine and ovine brucellosis) and Chapter 2.8.5 (porcine brucellosis).

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1

Substituted by Council Directive 97/12/EC of 17 March 1997 amending and updating Directive 64/432/EEC on health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine.

F2

Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 535/2002 of 21 March 2002 amending Annex C to Council Directive 64/432/EEC and amending Decision 2000/330/EC.

F3

Substituted by Commission Decision of 10 December 2008 amending Annex C to Council Directive 64/432/EEC and Decision 2004/226/EC as regards diagnostic tests for bovine brucellosis (notified under document number C(2008) 7642) (Text with EEA relevance) (2008/984/EC).