The method uses large volumes of oral fluid (>10 ml), whereas standard tests are based on 50–200 μl. This approach allows for much more accurate results and early detection of the disease, which is critical for containing outbreaks.
‘This simple and affordable method does not require expensive equipment, and large volumes of oral fluid can be easily obtained without stressing the animals. This significantly improves the effectiveness of diagnosis and can strengthen early disease detection systems around the world,’ the study authors explain.
During field trials in northern Vietnam, the new test demonstrated significantly higher efficiency. Of 68 samples, traditional PCR analysis detected only 9 positive cases (13.2%), while the new method identified 23 positive cases (33.8%).
The developers emphasise that oral fluid is a convenient, non-invasive and affordable material, making the method ideal for small farms that do not have the facilities for complex analyses. In addition, the technology can be adapted to detect other dangerous animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease in ruminants or rabies in dogs.
"In Vietnam, about 90% of farms are small farms with 10 or fewer pigs, which are most affected by the ASF epidemic. We want to help local communities control the infection more effectively and prevent the spread of the disease, while maintaining social stability," said research leader Professor Wataru Yamazaki.
According to scientists, the new method opens up new opportunities for monitoring the epidemiological situation and could become an effective tool in the global fight against ASF.
PigUA.info based on materials from nationalhogfarmer.com