Detection of pseudorabies gE antibodies in pig breeding farms and its support to the exportation of breeding pigs
Jen-Chieh Chang
Abstract
In 2011, the Ministry of Agriculture initiated a pseudorabies (PR) eradication program on pig breeding farms to provide PR-free breeding pigs to commercial pig farms and for export. To support the agriculture policy, the Veterinary Research Institute counsels pig breeding farmers to monitor PR gE antibody in breeding pigs. Some pig breeding farms took proactive measures and continued to participate in the program. Through such public-private partnerships, the positive rates of gE antibody in the breeding herds have ranged from 0.43% to 10.62% in recent years, showing a significant decrease compare to the result 23.7% in 2011. Currently, 15 PR-free pig breeding farms have been approved by the certification committee. This presentation shared the recent significant achievement of successful export of breeding pigs to neighboring countries and how the authorities in Taiwan assisted pig farmers to export their pigs.
The pathogenicity changes of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Taiwan
Li-Hsuan Chen
Abstract
The H5N1 subtype of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), originated by the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/GD) strain, has spread across continents globally through multiple waves of outbreaks. The H5 subtype HPAI viruses of clade 2.3.4.4c invaded Taiwan in 2015. Despite the implementation of various control measures over subsequent years after the outbreak, these viruses have continued to spread, evolve, and reassort in Taiwan for nearly seven years. Animal experiments have indicated that H5 HPAI viruses of the clade 2.3.4.4c often cause subclinical infections in waterfowl, reckoning them as natural reservoirs, as mentioned in some literature. Since August 2021, the H5N2 HPAI virus of clade 2.3.4.4b has emerged as the predominant strain in Taiwan's poultry farms within six months. From the year 2017, three different clades and seven strains of H5Nx subtype HPAI viruses have been examined through experimented infection in Taiwan's important poultry species. Although the pathogenicity of these viruses via natural infection routes in poultry, waterfowl typically exhibited longer survival times in comparison to those of land fowls. Hence, intensified monitoring of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl is recommended so as to suspend virus circulation in the population. In areas where high pathogenicity avian influenza persists, a combination of preventive and control measures should be adopted to mitigate the impact on the poultry industry and public health, while also avoiding the challenges posed by viral reassortment to the ongoing efforts in epidemic prevention.
Report on Official Visit Abroad: Visiting France for Promoting WOAH Rabies International Affairs
Yu-Chia Chang, Shu-Chia Hu, Yen-Ping Chen
Abstract
In order to establish international reference laboratory for animal diseases, a visit to Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife (the reference laboratory of the European Union, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the World Health Organization) in France was conducted from 13-22 January this year (2024). During the visit, new knowledge and experiences about the techniques and quality management system for rabies diagnosis (including the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) and molecular diagnostic techniques, etc.) were learnt. We also discussed with experts of Nancy Laboratory about how to operate a WOAH reference laboratory and to organize proficiency testing. Information about how to enhance rabies control was also exchanges during the visit.