1

Speaker(s)：

Wei-Cheng Hsu

Topic

Rabies virus isolation using cell culture techniques and a report on the Regional Transboundary Animal Disease Workshop in Hong Kong

Abstract

Rabies is one of the oldest zoonotic diseases, and almost all warm-blooded animals are susceptible to it. Since the discovery of rabies in ferrets in Taiwan in July 2013, more than 500 infected animals have been identified in 77 townships comprising 9 counties, and most infected animals were ferret badgers (98.6%). Previous molecular epidemiological studies conducted by this group have indicated that rabies viruses in Taiwan have been independently evolving into western and eastern lineages. We adopted techniques from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, and successfully isolated rabies virus with mouse neuroblastoma cells. By inoculating the cells with brain homogenate of natively infected ferret badgers, rabies viral antigens were detected in the inoculated cells, and most cells became infected after four to nine passages. The highest virus titer reached 104.5 FFD50 / 0.1 ml. Isolation of rabies virus from clinical specimens as well as from field samples will continue on for further comparative studies and diagnostic applications.

"The Regional Transboundary Animal Disease Workshop" was held by the Plum Island Animal Disease Center and the City University of Hong Kong, at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel in Kowloon from September 25th to  October 1st, 2016. This program was focused on 13 important diseases: highly pathogenic avian influenza, Newcastle disease, classical swine fever, African swine fever, sheep pox, peste des petits ruminant, foot-and-mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, hemorrhagic septicemia, African horse sickness, dourine, and glanders. Twenty-five trainees from 14 Asian countries attended this workshop.  Through this course, the trainees deepened their understanding of these OIE listed diseases, and their abilities of disease diagnosis and prevention were enhanced by sharing their experiences with each other.

2

Speaker(s)：

Yu-Hua Shih

Topic

Efficacy tests on porcine circovirus type 2 subunit vaccine /report of visiting Kyoto Biken Laboratories

Abstract

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the main pathogen causing porcine circovirus disease (PCVD). In this study, three batches of swine vaccine efficacy trials were performed on the PCV2 ORF2 subunit protein vaccine expressed in insect cells. The results showed that titers of the IFA (indirect fluorescent antibody) reached levels up to 256X-4,096X in swine post-immunization. PCV2 viral DNA copies in sera and organs were detected and quantified with real time RT-PCR, and the results demonstrated that copies as high as 5.0*108.15/mL were found in the non-vaccinated control group, whereas less than 1*106.15/mL were found in the immunized group, post-challenge. In addition, 1.8*108.15/mL copies of PCV2 viral DNA were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes of the non-vaccinated control group, but none were detected in the vaccinated group. In conclusion, these trials results indicate that the PCV2 ORF2 subunit vaccine developed by AHRI, could provide satisfactory protection.

  Two researchers were dispatched to visit the Kyoto Biken Laboratories in Japan from November, 28 - December 2, 2016. By visiting this international vaccine factory, we learned about the processes involved in factory layouts and construction, as well as the production, quality control and research/development of vaccines. In addition, we gained valuable insight regarding the current status of the animal vaccine industry and the standards of animal vaccine application procedures in Japan. These findings will help review the status of the animal vaccine industry and the future direction of vaccine development in Taiwan.

3

Speaker(s)：

Tsu-Han Chen

Topic

Application of a rapid diagnostic reagent in animal diseases

-Detecting the antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus

Abstract

Under the project of the fifth Taiwan Thailand agricultural cooperation, a visit to NIAH, Thailand for the 4 researchers of Animal Health Research Institute was arranged from November 14th to 18th, 2016. We evaluated the strips and ELISA for the detection of antibodies against structural protein and non-structural protein of foot-and-mouth disease virus at Regional Reference Laboratory for FMD in South East Asia, Pakchong, Thailand. We saw the FMD liquid-phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) technique which was routine performed in Thailand. In addition, we visited the institution for Veterinary Research and Development Center (Lower northeastern region). We also investigated both of relevant regulations and markets of veterinary diagnostic reagents in Thailand.