Detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides in suspected cases of animal poisoning from 2013 to 2018
Biology Division
Chien-Chih Wu
Abstract
A total of 759 suspected cases of animal poisoning were submitted to the Animal Health Research Institute from 2013 to 2018 for organophosphate and carbamate pesticide analyses, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(GC/MSD) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), respectively. Carbamate pesticides were detected in 321 cases while organophosphate pesticides were detected in 22 cases. Carbofuran was the most frequently detected carbamate pesticide, having been identified in 223 cases. Other main compounds detected, included the carbamate pesticide methomyl in 90 cases, as well as the organophosphate pesticide phorate and terbufos in 13 cases and 7 cases, respectively. The highest number of animal poisoning cases were found in dogs (311 cases) and birds (188 cases). The detection rate was also similarly the highest in dogs (63.34%) and birds (45.21 %). The number of submissions peaked from March to May (228 cases), and were the lowest from June to August (145 cases). The detection rates were highest from December to February (48.89%) and declined to the lowest rates from June to August (35.17%).
Avian influenza in Taiwan in 2018-2019
Yu-Ju Lin
Abstract
A novel H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of clade 2.3.4.4 has caused outbreaks in Taiwan since January 2014. The clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV has become endemic in Taiwan and H5N2 is its major subtype. Comparing the clinical cases of HPAI in 2018 to those in 2019, the number of cases is decreasing; however, the number in June to September is increasing. With regard to the results of the active surveillance of duck farms before marketing for HPAIV, the positive rates from 2017 to 2019 were 2.157%, 2.595% and 0.244%, respectively. Furthermore, extensively active surveillance of 30 duck farms was conducted by Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine in late summer of 2019 and five farms infected with H5N2 and one infected with H5N5 were detected.
A visit SEPPIC Qing Pu production plant in Shanghai, China
Yu-Hua Shih
Abstract
SEPPIC is a well-known adjuvant development and manufacturing company producing adjuvants for human and animal vaccines. This company has established a manufacturing and research facility within Asia based in Shanghai, China, for the production of adjuvants for animal vaccines. From October 16th to 19th, a site visit was conducted at the Qing-Pu production plant in Shanghai in order to learn more about the manufacturing process for different types of adjuvants for animal vaccines and the associated Good Manufacturing Practices, such as the emulsification processes for laboratory grades and factory-scale production, as well as adjuvant quality control procedures. AHRI is planning for the establishment of a pilot plant for animal vaccines during the 2020-2023 period. Through this visit, we are aware of the equipment and environment required for the production of different adjuvants, thereby facilitating the establishment of the pilot plant. At the same time, we have gained deeper insight with regard to the quality control procedures for vaccine adjuvants. This exchange has highlighted the benefits of international cooperation in the area of animal vaccine research and development for Taiwan, and brings us one step closer to exporting vaccines and vaccine adjuvants internationally.
A report on attending a conference: 2019 Scientific Meeting hold by Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Alliance
Kuo-Jung Tsai, Yu-Liang Huang, Jen-Chieh Chang
Abstract
Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Alliance (GFRA) mainly consisted of research organizations worldwide which are dedicated to diagnostics, prevention and control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). In 2019, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan joined GFRA as one of collaborators and attended 2019 GFRA scientific meeting hold in Bangkok. Major topics were presented in the meeting, including current status of FMD, diagnostic techniques, pathogenesis and vaccine development. We hope to continuously join the activities of GFRA in order to get updated techniques and knowledge of FMD diagnosis and control to assist the eradication of FMD in our country. Meanwhile, mutual communication or experience sharing between AHRI and famous FMD research groups is expected along with contribution to global FMD control from Taiwan research groups.