Identification of the serotype of foot-and-mouth disease virus and associated serological tests
Ling-Chu Hung
Division of Hog Cholera Research
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious diseases. It affects all cloven-hoofed animals, particularly cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It can cause significant economic losses throughout the world. FMD exists as seven major serotypes and numerous subtypes. Notably, infection with one serotype of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) does not confer immunity against another. Therefore, the confirmatory diagnosis and serotype identification of the FMDV is crucial in the laboratory. According to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Manual, the diagnostic and standard reagents are available in kit form or as individual items from OIE Reference Laboratories for FMD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) can be used to detect FMDV viral antigens and for serotyping. Besides that, the ELISA can be used as serotype-specific serological tests for detecting the specific antibodies against structural proteins. I compared the commercial ELISA kits to the Pirbright Institute’s ones; I found the IZSLER kit’s performance and efficiency were better than those of the Pirbright Institute’s ones. Further, I utilized these kits to detect FMDV-specific antibodies representing different FMD serotype and FMDV viral antigens in routine diagnostic work. We also participated in the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Proficiency Test Scheme every two years. Furthermore, the Council of Agriculture announced we eradicated FMD last July. After all, Taiwan has been officially recognized as free regions from FMD by the OIE in this July, which contributes to the export competitiveness of our livestock products.
Production of specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken for experimental use
Chang Chia-Chen
Abstract
The specific pathogen free (SPF) animals refer to experimental animals that do not contain specific microorganisms and specific parasites, but they can harbor naturally occurring microorganisms. The production of SPF animals therefore requires that they are maintained in barrier facility and under strict protocols that prevent their exposure to foreign microorganisms. The Animal Health Research Institute has produced SPF chicken and embryo eggs for more than 30 years, and those biological materials have mainly been used in the monitoring and diagnosis of poultry diseases as well as verification of animal drugs. It is thus an important component of the national animal disease and epidemic prevention policy. This topic will be reported on the production technology, quality declaration of our SPF chicken and embryo eggs.