VIC Help Needed! ICT kit validation project for sheep

Agriculture Victoria is calling on the support of private veterinarians to contribute samples from sheep as part of the anthrax immunochromatographic test (ICT) validation project.

The anthrax immunochromatographic test (ICT) is a well-established and reliable tool for field diagnosis of anthrax in cases of sudden death in cattle. In sheep, work on the anthrax immunochromatographic test (ICT) validation project is continuing.

A final extension to the project has been granted, allowing the project to finish on 31st March 2023, however additional samples are required to validate the sensitivity and specificity of the ICT kits in sheep.

This important project, funded by the Victorian sheep and goat industries, will allow the validation of the use of ICT kits to be completed. This will further support their use in routine field (pen-side) investigation of anthrax in cases of sudden death in sheep, as is currently the situation for cattle.

Agriculture Victoria is requesting submissions for any cases of sudden death in sheep across Victoria.

Within the project, the payment for anthrax exclusion testing in sheep with unexplained sudden death will be $300 (+GST) per property.

Private vets are required to submit an EDTA blood sample and the used ICT kit to the department's AgriBio Bundoora veterinary laboratory for confirmatory testing.

Samples from up to 10 sheep that have experienced sudden death from the same property can be submitted. Only carcasses that are less than 48 hours old can be sampled. Sampling of multiple carcasses per investigation is strongly encouraged.

The samples should be submitted using the project specific Laboratory submission form.

Training on the use of ICT kits is also available as part of the online anthrax training for veterinarians. The training can be completed here and it is recommended you complete this training every two years.

If you have any questions about the ICT validation project in sheep, obtaining ICT kits for your clinic or the anthrax training, please contact your local Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary Officer or Animal Health Officer.

More information about the Significant Disease Investigation Program is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.