METHODS FOR SHIPPING SPECIMENS TO FADDL

1. Place the specimens (for specimen collection instructions, see Procedures for Collection and Submission of Specimens and Specimen Collection for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies under NVSL-Ames Diagnostic Testing) in screwcap containers. The screw caps must be fitted with a tight-sealing gasket, and the rim of the tightened cap must be sealed to the container with plastic or other tape or sealing wax. Avoid the use of glass containers.

2. After the primary containers have been sealed and before removing them from the necropsy site, decontaminate the exterior surfaces. For vesicular disease agents, use either 2% lye, 5% acetic acid, or 5% sodium carbonate. For all other suspected disease agents, use 1% 1-Stroke Environ (TM for Vestal's "Germicidal Detergent," E.P.A. #1043-26-AB). The decontaminated containers must be removed to a noncontaminated area for subsequent packing in noncontaminated packing material.

3. Wrap each primary container in sufficient dry absorbent cotton to absorb the liquid contents in case of breakage. Place the wrapped container in a small waterproof plastic bag and seal to prevent leakage.

4. Place these sealed bags in a small secondary container, and cushion with additional absorbent cotton to prevent jarring of the contents. Place a sufficient quantity of dry sodium carbonate or other approved decontaminant inside the secondary container to ensure inactivation of the disease organism if the primary container and the plastic bag break. Seal the secondary container.

5. Pint- or quart-sized paint cans may be used as secondary containers. Such cans with pressure lids must be watertight when hammered closed.

6. Place the sealed secondary container inside a tertiary container and seal again.

a. Tertiary containers may be larger-sized versions of the secondary containers listed in item 5.

b. Whenever known or suspected infectious zoonotic microorganisms or foreign animal disease agents are shipped, this tertiary container must be used.

7. When mailing or shipping on common carriers, place the tertiary container inside a USDA, APHIS insulated box surrounded by a suitable refrigerant and tape the lid shut. Similar commercially available shipping containers may be used if necessary. Attach appropriate labels, and include copies of pertinent history, clinical and pathological findings, and sample submission forms in the box.

a. If specimens must be kept frozen, dry ice is generally the only suitable refrigerant. Remember, if dry ice is used, sample containers must be tightly sealed with electrical tape. Shippers must be aware of dry ice restrictions imposed by certain airlines and delivery services, and plan accordingly.

b. Ice packs may be used for cold storage. Frozen "foam ice," "blue ice" picnic packs, or water-frozen sealed containers may be used. Wet ice, even when enclosed in plastic bags, should not be used.

8. For U.S.-origin samples, Emergency Programs is responsible for notifying the FADDL of all information relative to transporting a package. For international shipments, the shipper is responsible for this notification.

a. Unless packages are being hand-carried, it is recommended that the shipper use Federal Express or a delivery service that will deliver directly to the FADDL at Orient Point, NY (for U.S.-origin samples only). If such service is unavailable, the shipper must use the same airline service between connection points whenever possible to minimize problems involved with the transfer of packages of infectious materials between airlines.

b. When airlines are used, the pertinent information for the laboratory includes airline, flight number, estimated time of arrival, airports involved, air waybill number, type of coolant used, and telephone contact.

When shipping U.S.-origin samples by courier, use address listed below (FedEx only):

USDA, APHIS, FADDL
40550 Route 25
Orient, NY 11957
(631) 323-3256

c. For international shipments, a valid USDA Veterinary Permit for Importation and Transportation of Controlled Material and Organisms and Vectors must be used. Contact the FADDL at Area Code (631) 323-3256 for additional details. The laboratory should be notified of shipments by telephone at the above number or by facsimile at Area Code (631) 323-3366

For international shipments, use address listed below:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Attn: FADDL Lab Chief
c/o Port Veterinarian, APHIS, VS
230-59 Rockaway Blvd., Suite 101
Jamaica, NY 11413
(718) 553-1727

d. To expedite package pickup, the shipper must give the recipient as much advance notice as possible of the intent to ship.

"Use of a company or product name by the Department does not imply approval or recommendation of the product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable."