Report on the Manufacturing and Optimization of Inactivated Bovine Ephemeral Fever Vaccine for the Period of 2023 to 2025
Shu-Ting Kuo
Abstract
The inactivated bovine ephemeral fever vaccine manufactured by our institute has been promoted for use since 1991. However, the adjuvant used at that time was aluminum phosphate gel, which resulted in the short duration peak of serum neutralizing (SN) antibody protection levels. To prevent the occurrence of epidemics, farms needed to administer multiple booster vaccinations, leading to increased operational management costs. In 2019, our institute changed the adjuvant into w/o/w oil adjuvant, Summit-S350. The reformulated vaccine not only demonstrated better immunization efficacy but also maintained the antibody protection level for up to six months, allowing for effective prevention of large-scale outbreaks with a booster every six months. Subsequently, due to adjustments in the vaccine manufacturing business and personnel changes, production of the vaccine was temporarily suspended in 2020 and resumed in 2023, continuing to present.
Although the bovine ephemeral fever vaccine using Summit-S350 as an adjuvant can extend the SN antibody peak duration, it is associated with more noticeable adverse reactions. Therefore, starting in 2024, we begin selecting adjuvants from the SEPPIC series, which are based on big data and developed by international vaccine manufacturers, to further optimize the current bovine ephemeral fever vaccine. We hope to develop a high-quality vaccine in the future that combines both good immunization efficacy and with a reduced incidence of adverse reactions.
Establishment and application of materials for monitoring of important swine viral pathogens in Taiwan
Chun Wang
Abstract
Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine circovirus (PCV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are important swine viral disease in Taiwan. However, the cell lines, which widely used for CSFV, PCV and PRRSV propagation, are not efficient in terms of permissively to viral infection. In order to acquire cell lines that can reliably produce CSFV, PCV and PRRSV at higher titers, parent cells were cloned by limiting dilution for CSFV, PCV and PRRSV propagation, respectively. In addition, this project intends to establish the necessary materials for antibody detection of CSFV, PCV and PRRSV in pigs. Serum samples collected from pigs of various age on domestic farms were analyzed to determine the seropositive rates and the time course of antibody production. The results can provide necessary information for epidemic prevention efforts, and improve animal epidemic prevention and ensure agricultural safety.
Report on Participation in the Asia-Pacific Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program for Aquatic Animal Diseases
in Thailand
Chieh-Hao Wu
Abstract
VRI (Veterinary Research Institute) was invited by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to attend the “Asia-Pacific Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program for Aquatic Animal Diseases” held in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 27 to August 30, 2025. The event is organized by DAFF and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (CSIRO-ACDP). The aims of the workshop are to summarize the major findings of the 2022–2025 proficiency testing rounds and to stimulate discussion on diagnostic standards, method platforms (real-time PCR versus conventional PCR) and laboratory quality assurance systems. The workshop will also provide opportunities for participants to discuss any issues they have come across during the proficiency testing program, with CSIRO-ACDP. Participation in the workshop help strengthen our country’s aquatic animal disease diagnostic laboratory system, enhance diagnostic techniques, and promote collaboration with international research institutes.