January 8, 2008

UK scientists present reliable technique to curb costs on FMD outbreaks

Researchers at the Institute for Animal Health (IAH), Pirbright are suggesting for a fast and reliable diagnostic technique to stop unnecessary and expensive slaughter during a foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Juliet Dukes, a molecular biologist and senior research scientist at Pirbright, said there is a need for a diagnostic technique to be used by non-specialists in farms infected with FMD.

She said that devices need to be sensitive to detect even tiny traces of the FMD virus during the early stages of infection in order to prevent the consequences of a false negative result and the mass culling of animals.

In addition, diagnostic equipment must also be cheap for easy disposal after each test to do away with the time consuming sterilisation.