Analysis of fecal microbiota in specific-pathogen-free chicken
Cheng-Hsueh, Wu
Abstract
Animal gut microbial communities aid in protecting the hosts from pathogens and contribute to the development of the immune system of the hosts. The fecal microbiota from the gut were believed to represent those of the digestive system microbial communities. Antibiotics administered to animals may affect the gut microbiota, depending on the dose of the antibiotics used. To understand the gut microbiota in specific-pathogen-free chicken, we investigated the gut fecal microbiota in different ages of specific-pathogen-free chickens using culture-independent techniques through analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Enterococcus spp. was the most abundant in the feces of chicks under 5-week-old, whereas Lactobacillus spp. was the most abundant species in 24 and 77-week-old chickens.
Establishment of a nervous necrosis virus RT-PCR method and analysis of optimization test results
Nai-Hui Chung
Abstract
Viral nervous necrosis, also known as viral encephalopathy and retinopathy, is a severe neurological disease affecting fish. It is caused by the nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and the virus belongs to Betanodavirus. Betanodaviruses can infect the most aquaculture fish species, causing high mortality rates in fry younger than 1 month old. Therefore it is one of the main infectious diseases that demolishes the global aquaculture fishery industry. In this study, the NNV reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (NNV RT-PCR) technique was established according to the Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals of World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The reagent formula and reaction temperature was modified to successfully establish an optimized test, which resulted in a significant increases in the sensitivity and detection limit by one hundred-fold. Onsite disease diagnosis, quarantine inspection of exported aquatic animals, and screening for specific pathogen-free fry and live feed organisms can utilize the developed method. This method has the potential to help farmers decrease economic losses caused by NNV and to enhance aquaculture yield.
The report of Global Foot-and-Mouth Research Alliance (GFRA) scientific meeting
Kuo-Jung Tsai、Cheng-Ju Pan
Abstract
The Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Alliance (GFRA), initiated in 2003 by five research institutions, has grown to consist of 28 partners, 14 collaborators, and 16 stakeholders. Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) joined the alliance as a collaborator in August 2019 and upgraded its involvement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to become a partner in March 2023. The GFRA's mission is to establish and sustain global research partnerships that generate scientific knowledge and develop tools to prevent, control, and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The focus of the meeting this year was the exchange of information on the current status of the virus, diagnostic technologies, pathogenesis, immunological research, vaccine development, and FMD research in Africa. Group discussions were held to analyze technical or knowledge gaps, aiding the alliance's executive committee in formulating future research strategies and setting priorities. Taiwan, Penghu, and Matsu areas have been recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health as an FMD-free zone without vaccination. To fulfill partnership obligations, active participation in future GFRA meetings and events is crucial. This engagement supported Taiwan's integration into international research on FMD and other vesicular diseases in swine, contributing to the control and eradication of FMD.