Shipping protocol template for
avian influenza specimens
SPC LRD-AHP/PRIPPP
Version 20 Mar 2009
How to use this document
This template document has been prepared for the Pacific Animal Health Laboratory
Network (PAHLNet), specifically to guide animal health laboratory staff in packing avian
influenza specimens for local transport and air transport to overseas laboratories.
The document was compiled by the Animal Health and Production (AH&P) team of the
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) under the Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic
Preparedness Project (PRIPPP). It is designed to be edited by animal health laboratory focal
person(s) in PICTs to adapt to PICTs’ specific conditions and arrangements with
collaborating laboratories and agencies. The official seal, agency name and address should
be inserted accordingly.
For queries about this document and a copy of the editable version in MS Word 97 format,
please email elvab@spc.int.
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY
Animal Health and Production Team
3 Luke Street Nabua Fiji Islands
Shipping protocol for avian influenza specimens
Introduction
This shipping protocol is specifically designed to guide animal health laboratory staff in packing
animal specimens for local transport and air transport to overseas laboratories. The objective is to
be able to send animal specimens appropriate for laboratory diagnosis and confirmation of avian
influenza.
The procedures outlined in this document are intended to follow the guidelines set by the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Manual
(50th edition) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Guidance on Regulations for the
Transport of Infectious Substances 2009–2010.
Safety information
Only culture specimens of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are classified under Category A,
‘Infectious substances affecting humans and animals’. Packing Category A infectious substances (i.e.
cultures of HPAI specimens) requires personnel to undergo training and may involve attendance at
approved courses and passing examinations.
None of the specimens listed in this document are considered cultures, and they are therefore
classified as patient (animal) specimens labelled as ‘UN 3373 Infectious substance, Category B’.
WHO’s Guidance on Regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances 2009–2010 indicates
that for transport of Category B infectious substances, there is a requirement that clear instructions
on the use of packaging are supplied to the user and this is regarded as sufficient ‘training’ for
shipping of the substances. If the specimens are packed with other dangerous goods (e.g. dry ice,
liquid nitrogen), the personnel must be trained in the proper procedures for their transport.
Prior to preparing avian influenza specimens for shipment, please review the Pathogen Safety Data
Sheet for avian influenza (Annex 13). Shippers are expected to know the hazards of the materials
that are being transported and to be prepared to respond to emergency situations involving the
materials being transported. Basic personal protective equipment (i.e. gloves, protective eyewear,
protective outer garment, mask) should be worn during packing of materials. Hand-washing should
be performed after handling specimens.
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Packaging of specimens
For the purpose of avian influenza routine animal disease surveillance and investigations in the
Pacific, the following specimens can be collected as required by referral/reference laboratories:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
serum samples (for serology);
tracheal or cloacal swabs (for rapid test kit);
tracheal or cloacal swabs in virus transport medium or RLT buffer (for PCR);
tissue specimens in sterile containers (for virus isolation and PCR); and
environmental specimens (e.g. fresh faeces) if specimens 1–4 are not available.
Animal specimens collected for the purposes indicated above are screen-tested for avian influenza A
using Anigen rapid test kits (or other diagnostic procedure available in the PICT). No other
procedures are conducted to determine the presence of infectious substances.
Animal specimens classified as Category B should be packed using basic triple packaging, as
described in Packaging Instruction (PI) 650 of the IATA DGR manual.
Basic triple packaging (PI 650)
1. Primary receptacle
o Maximum liquid content of 1 litre
o Sealed, watertight, leak-proof or sift-proof
o Secured cap (e.g. Parafilm tape)
o Labelled
o Individually wrapped in cushioning or absorbent material sufficient to absorb entire
contents in case of leak
o Able to withstand internal pressure of 95 kPa in the range of -40oC to 55oC (-40oF to
130oF)
2. Secondary receptacle/packaging
o Watertight, leak-proof
o Itemised list of contents attached
o Able to withstand internal pressure of 95 kPa in the range of -40oC to 55oC (-40oF to
130oF)
3. Outer packaging
o Maximum content of 4 litres or 4 kg including:
a. Secondary receptacle/packaging containing primary receptacle inside
b. Cushioning material
c. Ice, dry ice or liquid nitrogen (refrigerants)
o Smallest overall external dimension of 10 x 10 cm (100 x 100 mm; 4 x 4 in)
o Markings and labels placed appropriately
Important note: Inner packaging containing infectious substances shall not be consolidated with
inner packaging containing unrelated types of goods.
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Additional packaging:
Overpack is the term used when several packages are combined to form one unit and sent to the
same destination by a single shipper. An overpack should have:
1. the same markings and labels shown on the outer packaging (of a basic triple packaging); and
2. OVERPACK marking attached to the outermost box.
Important information



UN number:
UN 3373
Proper shipping name:
Biological substance, Category B
Markings:
(1) Sender’s name, address, telephone number
(2) Telephone number of responsible person knowledgeable about the shipment
(3) Receiver’s name, address, telephone number
(4) Proper shipping name, adjacent to
(5) UN number
Additional markings:
(1) Dry ice or liquid nitrogen – technical name of refrigerant, appropriate UN number and net
quantity

Labelling:
A. Hazard label:
o
o
o
o
UN 3373 in diamond-shaped outline
Overpack (if appropriate)
Dry ice (if packed)
Liquid nitrogen (if packed)
B. Handling labels:
o
Orientation label
Proper labels and markings are illustrated in Figure 1 (page 5). Templates for markings and actual
specification of labels to use for packaging can be found in the annexes. Markings and labels
available in the annexes can be reproduced and directly used for labelling packages.

Documentation
A. To be prepared by shipper:
(1) Packing list/pro forma invoice, which includes (Annex 5):
a) sender’s address
b) receiver’s address
c) number of packages
d) detail of contents
e) weight
f) value (indicate ‘No commercial value’ if items are supplied free of charge).
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
(2) Import* and export permit (Annexes 6–8)
(3) Import and export declaration, if required (Annex 9)
* An import permit can be acquired in advance from the receiving laboratory. Prearrangements for
import permits should be made with the sub-regional, referral and reference laboratories selected by
the PICT.
B. To be prepared by carrier* (freight service provider):
* Prearrangement with a carrier (TNT or DHL) should be made by the PICT or in collaboration with
SPC.
(1) Airway bill for air transport (Annex 11)
Figure 1. Example of triple packaging system for packing and labelling of Category B infectious substances
(Adapted from WHO Guidelines on Regulations for Transport of Infectious Substances, originally sourced
from IATA, Montreal, Canada)
Duties of shipper/sender
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Notify receiving laboratory of planned shipment
Notify carrier (TNT or DHL) of planned shipment
Collect specimen(s)
Prepare documents
Package specimen(s)
Arrange for shipment
Follow up laboratory results
Record results
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Reusing and shipping empty packaging
Shipping packaging can be reused and empty packages can be returned to the source or sent to
other locations. Before reusing and returning packaging, it should be disinfected or sterilised to
remove any substance or hazard. All non-applicable markings and labels must be removed.
Incident reporting
In case of accidental spills of specimens in transport, a proper clean-up procedure should be advised
(Annex 12). Either of the following should be contacted and informed:

Local transport
Local laboratory focal person
(name, address, 24-hour telephone
number)

24-hour emergency number:
International shipment
Local laboratory focal person
(name, address, 24-hour telephone
number)
Receiving laboratory contact person
24-hour emergency number:
24-hour emergency number:
SPC
24-hour emergency number:
Other individuals
In cases of being contacted for incident reports of spills, advice should be given to the caller on
proper spill clean-up. Various international modal regulations require the reporting of incidents to
relevant competent transport authorities in addition to necessary health authorities.
Efficient packaging of specimens compliant to PI 650 of IATA DGR will ensure that specimens are
transported with the minimum possibility of accidental spillage.
References
 WHO. 2008. Guidance on Regulations for Transport of Infectious Substances 2009–2010. World
Health Organization, Geneva.
http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/WHO_HSE_EPR_2008_10/en/index.html
 IATA. 2008. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation Manual, 50th edition. International Air Transport
Association, Montreal.
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
This shipping protocol is approved for use by:
Head of Agriculture Department:
Date:
(Signature)
Head of Public Health Department:
Date:
(Signature)
Chief Laboratory Officer:
Date:
(Signature)
Affix official stamp/common seal here
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 1. Hazard label and marking for Category B infectious substances UN 3373
cut along dotted lines
cut along dotted lines
BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE
CATEGORY B
UN 3373
~50 mm x 50 mm
Hazard label
Marking
Minimum dimension (air transport): length of each side of square is at least 50 mm
Colour: none specified, contrasting colour to external surface of external packaging, clearly
visible and legible
Markings: BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B letters at least 6 mm high displayed
adjacent to hazard label
No. of labels per package: 1
No. of markings per package: 1
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 2. Overpack hazard label
cut along dotted lines
OVERPACK
Colour: none specified, contrasting colour to external surface of external packaging, clearly
visible and legible
No. of labels per package: 1
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 3. Orientation label and marking
cut along dotted lines
cut along dotted lines
THIS SIDE UP
~ 74 mm x 105 mm
Minimum dimension: standard A7 (74 x 105 mm)
Colour: green and white or green and black
Markings: THIS SIDE UP or THIS END UP on top cover of package
No. of labels per package: 2 on opposite sides
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 4. Other markings
Cut along dotted line
Sender’s name:
Address:
Contact person:
Telephone #:
Figure 2. Sender’s information template
Cut along dotted line
Receiver’s name:
Address:
Contact person:
Telephone #:
Figure 4. Receiver’s information template
Cut along dotted line
Emergency contact information:
Responsible person:
Telephone #:
Figure 3. Responsible person information template
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 5. Pro forma invoice/packing list template
Insert agency name here
Insert agency logo here
Insert agency address here
SPECIMEN PACKING LIST
Sender’s
information:
Receiver’s
information:
Number of packages:
Detail of contents
Quantity
Description of primary
receptacle
Description of content
Purpose/lab test
Total weight of package:
Value: NO COMMERCIAL VALUE
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 6. Import permit (ex. Australia – Queensland Department of Primary Industry)
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 7. Import permit (ex. Australia – CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory,
Geelong)
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 8. Export permit of local laboratory (if necessary)
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 9. Import and export declaration
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 10. Sender’s information sheet (ex. TNT)
Annex 11. Airway bill (ex. Air Pacific)
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 12. Spill clean-up procedure
SPILL CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE
(Adapted from WHO Guidance on Regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances 2009–2010)
The appropriate response in the event of exposure to any infectious substance is to wash or
disinfect the affected area as soon as possible, regardless of the agent. Even if an infectious
substance comes into contact with non-intact skin, washing of the affected area with soap
and water or with an antiseptic solution can reduce the risk of infection. Medical advice
should be obtained any time there is suspected exposure to an infectious substance
resulting from a damaged package. The following procedure for clean-up can be used for
spills of all infectious substances, including blood.
1. Wear gloves and protective clothing, including face and eye protection if indicated.
2. Cover the spill with cloth or paper towels to contain it.
3. Pour an appropriate disinfectant over the cloth or paper towels and the immediate
surrounding area (5% bleach solutions are generally appropriate; for aircraft spills
use quaternary ammonium disinfectant).
4. Apply the disinfectant concentrically, beginning at the outer margin of the spill area
and working towards the centre.
5. After about 30 minutes, clear away the materials. If there is broken glass or other
sharp objects are involved, use a dustpan or a piece of stiff cardboard to collect the
materials and deposit them in a puncture-resistant container for disposal.
6. Clean and disinfect the area of the spillage (if necessary, repeat steps 2–5).
7. Dispose of contaminated materials into a leak-proof, puncture-resistant waste
disposal container.
8. After successful disinfection, report the incident to the competent authority and
inform them that the site has been decontaminated (see Incident Reporting, page
6).
Detailed information on disinfectants and their recommended use can be found in
Laboratory Biosafety Manual (3rd ed.), World Health Organization, Geneva, 2004.
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 13. Pathogen safety data sheet for avian influenza
Pathogen Safety Data Sheet - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)1
SECTION I: DISEASE / INFECTIOUS AGENT
SYNONYM / CROSS REFERENCE: bird flu, fowl plague
ETIOLOGY / TAXONOMY (1,2):
Family: Orthomyxoviridae
Genus: Influenzavirus A, B
All highly pathogenic isolates have been Influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 & H7
ORGANISM CHARACTERISTICS:
 single stranded, negative sense RNA virus, segmented, enveloped, highly pleiomorphic.
 low pathogenic strains may change rapidly through antigenic shift or drift to become highly
pathogenic (1, 3, 4)
 described by hemagglutination (H) and neuraminidase (N) antigens (5)
SURVEILLANCE :
 HPAI is a reportable disease in Canada. Animal owners, veterinarians and laboratories are required to
immediately report the presence of an animal that is contaminated or suspected of being
contaminated to a CFIA district veterinarian. Control or eradication measures will be applied
immediately (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/H-3.3/fulltoc.html).
DISTRIBUTION :
 worldwide
 low pathogenic strains may change rapidly through antigenic shift or drift to become highly
pathogenic (1, 3, 4)
SECTION II: ANIMAL HEALTH HAZARD AND EPIDEMIOLOGY
CLINICAL DISEASE / PATHOGENESIS:
1) Clinical signs (1, 2, 6, 7):
 can range from mild disease with little or no mortality to highly fatal rapidly spreading epidemic
 sudden decrease in egg production
 swollen and cyanotic wattles and combs
 depression
 coughing and sneezing
 seroconversion
1
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/sci/bio/anima/disemala/avflue.shtml
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
2) Infectious dose: Unknown
3) Incubation period: short 3-5 days (1, 2)
SOURCE / MODE OF TRANSMISSION / COMMUNICABILITY:
 contact with wild birds (especially waterfowl) and their faeces (1)
 contact with infected poultry and poultry products, contaminated clothing, footwear, vehicles,
equipment and feed (1, 6)
VECTORS: none
HOST RANGE :
 migratory waterfowl natural host range (especially ducks) (8)
 all species of birds susceptible (including chickens, turkeys, pet birds and wild birds)(1)
 humans
 other known species: cats, dogs, pigs
ZOONOSIS :
 HPAI virus can be transmitted to humans, however the transmission occurred in rare cases where
people had prolonged contact with heavily contaminated environments (6).
RESERVOIR : generally waterfowl
Section III: DIAGNOSIS
NECROPSY / HISTOPATHOLOGY FINDINGS (1, 2, 3):
 vascular disturbances leading to edema, hemorrhage especially in myocardium, spleen, lungs, brains
and wattles
 necrotic foci present in lungs, liver and kidneys
LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS (3):
 haemagglutination
 immunofluorescence
 ELISA
 serotyping
 PCR
 gene sequencing
DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY:
 for humans: Influenza A susceptible to amantadine and rimantadine (not licenced for use in food
animals) (4, 5).
 vaccination may be used to supplement control measures (4).
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS:
The following diseases may show clinical similarity to HPAI.
Associated with high mortality:
 Newcastle disease
 Infectious laryngotracheitis
 Duck plague
 Acute poisoning
Associated with swelling of combs and wattles:
 Bacterial cellulitis of combs and wattles
 Acute fowl cholera
SECTION IV: DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Select a registered disinfectant with a drug identification number (DIN). Use according to label directions for
concentration and contact time. Consider organic load and temperature. It is recommended that laboratories
evaluate the effectiveness of the disinfectant using a validated method (e.g. Quantitative Carrier Test). See
table 1 to help select a registered disinfectant for use against HPAI virus.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT
CONCENTRATION
CONTACT TIME
Oxidising agents: Sodium Hypochlorite
10,000 ppm (1%)
10 minutes (9)
Alcohols: ethanol
70%
10 minutes (9)
Synthetic phenols: Ortho phenylphenol
1200 ppm
10 minutes (9)
Quaternary ammonium salts: Benzalkonium chloride
1000 ppm
10 minutes (9)
PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: (1)
Temperature
pH
121ºC for 15 minutes (autoclaving)
56ºC for 3 hours
60ºC for 30 minutes
inactivated by acid pH
SURVIVAL OUTSIDE OF HOST:
 remains viable for long periods in tissues, feces and water (manure 105 days, dried mucous several
hours) (7, 5).
SECTION V: LABORATORY HAZARDS FOR HUMANS
LABORATORY ACQUIRED INFECTIONS:
 No documentation of laboratory acquired infections but there are informal accounts (5)
BIOSAFETY PRECAUTIONS :
 Avoid any direct contact with virus, especially through feces (3).
 Limit the generation of aerosols (5, 3).
SECTION VI: PHYSICAL AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS:
All physical containment and operational practices for containment level 3, indigenous agents, as per the
Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities must be met. The Standards can be accessed at :
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/sci/lab/convet/convete.shtml.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:
Laboratory:
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza




Primary layer of protective clothing should include dedicated laboratory clothing (e.g. scrubs and
headwear) and laboratory dedicated footwear.
Secondary layer of protective clothing (e.g. solid-front gowns with tight-fitting wrists, 2 pairs of
gloves) should be worn over laboratory clothing when directly handling infectious materials.
Adequate respiratory protection should be worn when directly handling infectious material outside
BSC.
When full body protective clothing is not worn a shower is required on exit; where a known or
suspected aerosol exposure has occurred a shower is required on exit.
Post Mortem:
 Primary layer of protective clothing should include dedicated laboratory clothing (e.g. scrubs and
headwear) and laboratory dedicated footwear.
 Secondary layer of protective clothing (e.g. solid-front gowns with tight-fitting wrists, 2 pairs of
gloves) should be worn over laboratory clothing when directly handling infectious materials.
 Cut resistant gloves, adequate respiratory protection, steel toed/steel shanked rubber boots.
 A shower is required on exit.
HANDLING INFORMATION:
Spills in laboratory:
Allow aerosols to settle; wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), gently cover spill with
absorbent paper towel and apply 2% sodium hypochlorite, starting at perimeter and working towards the
centre; allow 30 minutes contact time (4).
Spill protocol must be in place and include the following scenarios:




spills inside the Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC)
spills outside the BSC
spills while performing aerosol generating procedures
also consider entry and exit procedure modifications if necessary, appropriate PPE, disinfection of
spill and surroundings including contact time, flow (pattern) of the clean up and disposal of
contaminated materials.
Refer to Table 1 for inactivation of HPAI.
STORAGE: All cultures and infected material should be stored in leakproof, sealed containers that are
accurately labeled and clearly identified as a biohazard risk. The access to infectious material should be
controlled at all times. Records must be kept to describe the use, inventory and disposal of infectious material.
DISPOSAL: Decontaminate all infectious material prior to disposal. Use steam sterilization, incineration or
chemical disinfection.
REFERENCES:
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza technical card, Office International des Epizooties updated 22-042002, http://www.oie.int/eng/maladies/fiches/a_A150.htm
AusVetPlan, Edition 2.0, 1996: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/shadomx/apps/fms/
fmsdownload.cfm?file_uuid=D4552211-C369-9A31-F51B3DB61D0CCB39&siteName=aahc
Avian Influenza animal health disease card, Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/
avian.html
Zoonoses and Communicable Diseases Common to Man and Animals, Second Edition, PAHO
publication # 503
Influenza virus MSDS, Public Health Agency of Canada, May 2000, http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/msdsftss/msds88e.html
Avian Influenza fact sheet, Animal Health CFIA, April 2003,
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemalae.shtml
Avian Influenza fact sheet, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine,
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INF-PO_AvianInfluenzaFS.html
Avian Influenza fact sheet WHO, http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/
en/index.html
Prince H, Prince D, Principles of Viral Control and Transmission. In: Block SS, ed. Disinfection,
Sterilization and Preservation, Fifth Edition, 2001:543-571
LAST UPDATED (DATE): March 30th, 2005
PREPARED BY: The Biohazard Containment and Safety Unit, CFIA
Disclaimer: Although the information and recommendations in this Pathogen Safety Data Sheet are compiled
from reliable sources, there is no guarantee, warranty or any assurance that the information and
recommendations are correct, accurate, sufficient, reliable or current and the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency shall not be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from or in connection with the use of or
reliance upon the information and recommendations.
The user assumes all risks and responsibility for and shall be liable for the use of and any reliance on the
information and recommendations and the results thereof and any loss or damage resulting therefrom.

Main Page - Avian Influenza
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza
Annex 14. Example of contact list of collaborating laboratories and agencies
Name of agency
Contact person/title
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Animal Health & Production Team
Dr Elva Borja
Animal Health Laboratory Scientist
Contact details
3 Luke Street, Nabua, Fiji
Tel: +679 337 0733 ext.284
Fax: +679 337 0721
24hr: +679 974 7840
Email: elvab@spc.int
Reference animal health laboratory
Referral animal health laboratory
WHO
Public Health Office
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Shipping protocol template for avian influenza