Laboratory support for exportation of breeding pigs: procedures and case studies
Jen-Chieh Chang
Abstract
The Taiwanese Council of Agriculture initiated a pseudorabies (PR) eradication program on swine breeding farms in 2011. Currently, 13 PR-free swine breeding farms have been approved by the certification committee and provided PR-free breeding pigs to downstream pig farms and for exportation. To support the program, the Animal Health Research Institute monitors selected swine diseases in breeding pigs. One of the significant achievements was the successful export of breeding pigs to Vietnam and Hong Kong. The separate project-oriented quarantine procedures of breeding pig exportation followed the requirements of importing countries. The importing side having a strong need was the key factor in the case. In addition, the related authorities assisted swine breeding farms in exporting pigs. The main responsibilities of laboratory were providing test service and certified reports. However, different tests of swine diseases were required by different importing countries for certified reports. Even in different timing, they may adjust quarantine procedures, including diseases tested. Laboratory in the meanwhile could provide professional consultation to swine breeding farms. It was helpful for negotiating quarantine procedures that are the most advantageous to our side before exportation.
Introduction of antibody detection method, surveillance system and result of avian influenza in Taiwan
Li-Hsuan Chen
Abstract
Today’s talk will introduce Taiwan's avian influenza antibody surveillance system, antibody distribution and analysis results in recent years. Hemagglutination assay is commonly used in diagnosis of viruses with hemagglutination characteristic such as influenza viruses. Avian influenza virus is classified as influenza virus A and possessed hemagglutinin on the surface of virus particle. Hemagglutination inhibition test can be used for subtyping of unknown influenza viruses or detecting specific hemagglutinin subtype in serum.At least 16 subtypes of hemagglutinin have been identified in avian influenza viruses.Since highly pathogenic avian influenza has only occurred in the infection of H5 and H7 subtypes, serum antibody surveillance on poultry in Taiwan has therefore focused on these subtypes. Using the hemagglutination inhibition test, antibodies against H5, H6, and H7 subtypeshave been detected in each county and city and different poultry species.
Participation of 2nd Regional Seminar for OIE National Focal Points for Veterinary Laboratories and International Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Course
Fan Lee
Abstract
The 2nd Regional Seminar for OIE National Focal Points for Veterinary Laboratories, held by the OIE Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific, opened on June 17 and 18, 2019 at Chiang Mai, Thailand. This seminar focused on laboratory practice of good laboratory management, activities in management and leadership, and advocacy related, to implementation of quality management systems, and biosafety and biosecurity management. The role of the laboratories in the preparedness, surveillance and diagnosis of African swine fever and the role of national focal points in this region will also be a key component. The seminar also provides a platform for experience sharing and discussion between countries of the region. Two staff members of the Animal Health Research Institute participated in the International Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Course, hosted by the National Wildlife Research Center of APHIS, USDA, from September 16 to 20, 2019. The training covered US wildlife, diseases, and practical demonstrations of capture techniques, darting practices and necropsies. Focuses of the course were mammal diseases with emphasis on swine diseases including African swine fever and avian diseases and surveillance. A visit to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife animal facility is also included.
Report of 2019 Workshop on Viral Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology in the University of Connecticut
Yu-Ju Lin
Abstract
Two staff members of the Division of Epidemiology went to the United States in May 2019 to attend Dr. Dong-Hun Lee’s workshop “2019 Viral Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology” at University of Connecticut. The purpose of the technical visit was to learn how to use internet based analysis tool for studying avian influenza viral sequences and therefore to strengthen our ability of molecular epidemiology. In addition, our participants had fruitful discussion with the experts coming from the Avian Disease Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency of Korea government and Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory; Agricultural Research Service, USDA. South Korea and United State were invaded by clade 2.3.4.4 H5 avian influenza viruses and the viruses were eliminated successfully from their territories. It is believed that their successful experiences can provide us some directions to improved our control strategy against avian influenza.