2002/106/EC: Commission DecisionShow full title

F1 CHAPTER V U.K. General procedures and criteria for collection and transport of samples

A. General procedures and criteria U.K.

1. Before sampling is carried out in a suspected holding, a map of the holding must be prepared and the epidemiological sub-units of the holding must be identified. U.K.

2. Each time that it is deemed that re-sampling of pigs might be necessary, all pigs which are sampled must be uniquely marked in such a way that they can be easily re-sampled. U.K.

3. Without prejudice to Chapter IV A. 5.b, samples for serological testing must not be taken from piglets less than eight weeks old. U.K.

4. All samples must be sent to the laboratory accompanied by appropriate forms, in accordance with the requirements established by the competent authority. These forms will include details of the history of the pigs sampled and the clinical signs or post-mortem lesions observed. U.K.

In the case of pigs kept in holdings, clear information on age, category and holding of origin of the pigs sampled must be provided. It is recommended that the location of each pig sampled in the holding be recorded together with its unique identification mark.

B. Collection of samples for virological tests U.K.

1. For detection of classical swine fever virus, antigen or genome from dead or euthanised pigs, tonsils, spleen and kidney tissues are the most suitable samples. In addition, it is recommended to collect two samples of other lymphatic tissues, such as the retro-pharyngeal, parotid, mandibular or mesenteric lymph nodes and a sample of ileum. In case of autolysed carcasses, an entire long bone or the sternum is the specimen of choice. U.K.

2. Anticoagulated blood or clotted blood samples must be collected from pigs showing signs of fever or other signs of disease, in accordance with the instructions of the competent authority. U.K.

3. Virological tests are recommended in the case of sick animals. They are usually of limited value when used for monitoring purposes on animals which do not show clinical signs. However, if the objective of a large-scale sampling is to detect classical swine fever virus when the pigs are in their incubation period, the tonsils are the most appropriate samples. U.K.

C. Transport of samples U.K.

1. It is recommended that all samples: U.K.

• are transported and stored in leak-proof containers;

• are not frozen but kept cool at refrigerator temperature;

• are delivered to the laboratory as quickly as possible;

• are kept in a package where ice packs rather than wet ice is used inside to keep them cool;

• of tissue or organs are placed in a separate sealed plastic bag and properly labelled. They must be then placed in larger strong outer containers and packed with sufficient absorbent material to protect from damage and absorb leakage;

• whenever possible, are directly transported to the laboratory by competent personnel in order that a rapid and reliable transport is ensured.

2. The outside of the package must be labelled with the address of the recipient laboratory and the following message should be prominently displayed: Animal pathological material; Perishable; Fragile; Do not open outside a classical swine fever laboratory. U.K.

3. The laboratory receiving the samples must be informed in advance of the time and mode of the arrival of the samples. U.K.

4. For air transport of samples F1 ... the package has to be labelled according to IATA regulations. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Annex Ch. 5 Section C para. 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 7(6); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)