Rabies – Saskatchewan Program Dr. Clarence Bischop Fax

Rabies – Saskatchewan Program CFIA out of Risk Analysis, Sampling & Lab Submission April 1, 2014 SK AG, SK Health plan: Call Centre – SK AG Knowledge Centre, (844-7rabies). Calls referred to: Rabies Risk Assessment Veterinarian (RRAV), who will decide if a sample is to be submitted, by contracted vet practices

Vets & Vet. Techs. Contract for services, payment per authorized sample. Private vets are not tasked with deciding if a sample should be submitted for rabies testing. Other Provinces – variety of solutions to CFIA withdrawing this portion of their disease control program

Rabies in Saskatchewan Sampling & Packaging

Animal Sample Location Georeferenced Coordinates Required Google Maps, cell phone GPS, car GPS from or using a web- based legal land converter (prairielocator) The websites I usually use for determining the land locations are or

Euthanasia - Disposal Responsibility of owner to present you with a dead animal for sampling. Small animals – should be brought to you Livestock Inspectors may be contracted to bring small animals to clinic on occasion Large animals – mileage paid to collect sample Disposal of remainder of animal is the owner’s responsibility

Standard Submitter Instructions:

Attached files - lab form (print page 1), Lethbridge lab labels Can use tough Ziploc bags, or other strong, clear bags that can be sealed/secured. Ziploc bag #1 - Dog head inside, close, fold top, secure with duct tape. Ziploc bag #2 - bag #1 inside, plus some absorbent material (paper towels), close same as bag #1, affix a label on bag #2 with the Sample Identification Number - SKAG Ziploc bag #3 - bag #2 inside, close as above, affix page 1 of the lab form to the outside. Lab form should go into something waterproof (small Ziploc bag).

Everything into a sturdy cardboard box, along with padding and adequate cold packs to ensure the sample reaches the lab in good shape. Affix one of the Lethbridge lab labels to the outside of the cardboard box, include your return address. Sample can be sent as Exempt Animal Specimen, as rabies is unlikely. Please let me know when Purolator has picked up the package, or when it is taken to the Bus Depot. (An is the best way to let me know)

Charges: Up to $200 per submission plus the actual freight costs. In exceptional circumstances, when pre-authorized, up to $80 for carcass disposal, up to $75 after hours charge, travel charge of $3/km, minimum of $55. Large animal brain removal specimen submission is up to $280/sample submission, with authorization of travel costs associated with travelling to the animal. Please include the SKAG sample ID number on the invoice to SK AG, and do not charge GST.

Send the Invoice to Dr. Althouse: Dr. Betty Althouse, Chief Veterinary Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Branch 202 – 3085 Albert Street REGINA SK S4S 0B1 Phone: Fax:

Rabies – Saskatchewan Program Dr. Clarence Bischop Fax