SCAHLS represents the activities of the veterinary laboratory network of Australia and New Zealand and is a sub-committee of the Animal Health Committee, reporting to Primary Industries Standing Committee.
SCAHLS News
ANZSDP and New Test Approval - The ANZSDP for porcine circovirus infection has recently been approved by AHC and is now available on the SCAHLS website. ANZSDPs are consistent with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, with additional requirements where special procedures and interpretation are necessary for Australian and New Zealand circumstances.
AHC has also approved the BioChek Avian Influenza Test Kit, which is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based IgG antibody specific test suitable for diagnosis of type A avian influenza in domestic fowl (chickens).
Sending Biological Specimens Overseas - Laboratories are reminded that the Animal Health Committee (AHC) now requires that prior clearance is obtained from the relevant state Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) before any samples from animals are sent overseas for testing for infectious and parasitic diseases. The CVO may require that a Materials Transfer Agreement is in place, ensuring that the collaborating laboratory destroys or returns to the sender the sample after testing is completed, and may also require evidence that the collaborating laboratory meets appropriate quality assurance standards before approving the export of the samples.
Download the Policy for the transfer of biological specimens to overseas laboratories PDF [198kb]
PDF File (222.9 KB)