May 13, 2008

Rapid on-farm FMD test shifts laboratory testing to the farm

A Swedish company, working in conjunction with the Institute for Animal Health, has launched a commercial version of its rapid on-farm test for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV).

Dr Nigel Ferris of the Institute for Animal Health's Pirbright Laboratory has been collaborating with Svanova Biotech AB (Sweden) since 2002 to develop the test, launched in April.

The small, hand-held device reputedly uses the same technology as is used in home pregnancy tests. A small tissue extract taken from an animal suspected of having FMD is spotted onto the bottom of the device which then flows up the device. If FMDV is present in the sample, a line forms within 10 minutes.

The development has been supported by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and partners within European Union LAB-ON-SITE project.