Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Program

Eligible cattle and sheep brains are tested for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Testing is part of a national program to:

  • detect TSE early
  • meet international health requirements
  • assure consumers that Australian animals are TSE free.

Payments are made to producers and veterinarians who submit eligible brains. No prior approval for sample submission is required if cases meet the below criteria.

Eligible samples

  1. Animals must have been observed alive by the submitter.
  2. Animals must have shown progressive nervous signs.
  3. Animals must show 2 or more clinical signs from the list on the history report.
  4. There can only be 2 samples per flock or herd.
  5. Samples must include fixed brain and fresh spinal cord from each animal. Samples from sheep must also include fresh dorsal third of cerebellum.
  6. Cattle must be older than 30 months and younger than 9 years.
  7. Sheep must be older than 18 months and preferably younger than 5 years.

Payments

The following incentives will be paid if a sample is eligible.

Producer incentive – paid automatically:

  • cattle: $300 + GST.
  • sheep: $100 + GST.

Veterinary incentive:

  • cattle: $300 + GST
  • sheep: $200 + GST.

To claim payments, veterinarians must email their invoices to: pirsa.tsemanager@sa.gov.au

See the disease investigation subsidies guidelines (PDF 1.0 MB) for further information, including invoicing standards.

Forms

TSE samples must be sent with both a completed:

TSE sample collection training

Training for head splitting and brain removal is available to South Australian veterinarians free of charge.

To arrange TSE sample collection training, contact:

Diana Miller
Phone: (08) 8735 1312
Mobile: 0427 427 253
Email: diana.miller@sa.gov.au

Emergency Animal Disease Hotline

Suspected disease or pests in livestock, poultry or aquatic animals must be reported immediately.

Call us to help stop the spread of animal illness, even if you are unsure of the disease.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Freecall 1800 675 888
Page last reviewed: 21 Jul 2022

 


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