January 2, 2024

 

USDA invests in research projects to strengthen swine health protection

To fortify safeguards against African swine fever (ASF), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated funding through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for various research projects aimed at managing the threat ASF poses to swine in the country, Farm Journal's Pork reported.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University are diligently working on the development of portable electronic sensors designed for the rapid and sensitive detection of ASF-specific antibodies and antigens. These sensors, once perfected, can be deployed globally to areas prevalent with ASF, aiding in the swift containment of outbreaks. The focus is on creating a metal nanoparticle-based assay platform, with the aim of enhancing ASF diagnostic capabilities.

 

Virginia Tech University scientists are exploring the application of nano-sensors in disease surveillance, particularly in swine farms. Their project involves creating a nano-sensor capable of direct use in swine farms, providing a quick and easily visible colour signal for the detection of the ASF virus without the need for additional equipment.

 

The Swine Health Information Centre is concentrating on mitigating the risk of ASF entering the US through contaminated imported feed ingredients. Research is underway to assess the stability of the ASF virus in soybean products commonly used in swine feed. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance diagnostic capabilities and surveillance tools for detecting ASF virus in contaminated soybean products and feed.

 

Despite the absence of a safe and commercially available ASF vaccine in the US, a research team at Kansas State University has tested multiple vaccine candidates, demonstrating the feasibility of developing an ASF vaccine. Further studies are underway to refine and advance vaccine development.

 

At the University of Nebraska, scientists have observed that swine vaccinated with a live-attenuated vaccine were protected against lethal ASF virus infection. This discovery has led to the identification of viral proteins with potential use as antigens for developing a sub-unit vaccine against ASF.

 

Cornell University researchers are delving into the identification of ASF viral proteins crucial for host immune responses, contributing valuable insights for future vaccine development.

 

University of Illinois researchers are actively collecting foundational information on ASF protective antigens, laying the groundwork for the potential development of safe and effective ASF vaccines.

 

Scientists at Louisiana State University are engineering three prototype vaccines for ASF, aiming to study their effectiveness in safeguarding swine health.

 

-      Farm Journal's Pork