Instructions for submitting a sample for TNS testing to UNSW

1. Samples from any dog can now be reliably tested for TNS. This test is extremely

reliable for identifying TNS carriers and can be used to confirm TNS in any new

suspected cases. The disease is common in Border collies form Australian/NZ lines,

Australain Working lines and ISDS lines.

2. For new samples from outside of Australia, send postal address for delivery of

collection kit (takes 2 weeks). Indicate the number of samples to be tested. and

whether FTA cards or buccal swabs are needed for collection.

3. Cost of testing for TNS is $88 AUD. CL testing can be done on the same sample for

a further $55 AUD. Payment can be made by credit card (details to be sent with

sample), by bank transfer (details available on request) or by cheque (to Univ NSW)

in Australian dollars drawn on Australian bank.

place by microchip number or other, eg. vet or arranged collection with club officials.

Microchip numbers are used to confirm identity so results can be accepted by official lists and checked

in cases of disputes. Testing can be done without microchips if the owners want the results for their

own information. This could allow sampling at home.

5. Fill in available details on request form and consent form.

6. Collect sample with independent identification of dog, if possible, eg by veterinarian

a. (International) 5 or 6 drops of blood on FTA card (available on request)

FTA cards are handy for long term storage and long distance shipping of samples.

Put only a small amount of blood on card, enough to wet it in several places.

Too much blood makes the card unusable and can lead to very poor results.

b. (Young pups or no veterinarian access) - buccal swab (available on request)

Buccal swabs are rubbed on inside of the mouth to get loose cells.

They may be preferred for very young pups or elderly dogs.

We use cytology brushes, like small nylon bottle brush.

Results can be poor if not enough DNA is collected.

(Cotton swabs can be used in an emergency)

c. (Local) - Blood in EDTA tube (~2 ml)

To mail non-infectious blood samples they need to be wrapped according to postal regulations.

It needs enough absorbant material (eg cotton wool) to absorb spills

and needs to be inside a 2nd leakproof container (eg screw cap plastic bottle)

and supported so it will not be crushed in transit.

DO NOT freeze blood samples before shipping (can refridgerate), ship at room temperature.

7. Label sample with animals name and microchip number or registration number.

8. Send samples with request form, consent form, pedigree, payment, by post to

Alan Wilton

School of Biotechnology

University of NSW 2052

Australia

9. International samples must be accompanied by a copy of our import permit,

and quote ‘AQIS permit number IP07000632’ on envelope.

International samples sent by courier (especially Fedex) will attract a $37 import fee

by customs and extensive delays which may be avoided if sent Airmail.

Samples from locations other then Europe, Scandinavia, New Zealand, or Japan can

incur a $42 fee to irradiate samples, eg. samples from US could require X-raying.

10. Courier address is different to mail address. See request form.

11. Results will generally be available 14 to 21 days after arrival of the sample.

Results will be notified by email in the first instance.

Sample with too much blood on the card or too little material on swab require

additional processing a may take longer. A repeat sample may be requested if the

sample supplied is of insufficient quality for testing.

Alan Wilton 5 May 2007

Example declaration of contents for customs. (Preferrably on your own letterhead)

DECLARATION OF CONTENTS

This package contains tissue/blood from dogs for DNA testing.

There are ___ samples from healthy dogs.

Contains no other animal derived material ie from livestock or poultry.

Samples will not come in contact with live animals at any stage.

Shipped by Name

Address

Signed

Date.