Boehringer Ingelheim and GNA Biosolutions announced Feb. 26 that they have entered into a research collaboration focused on the development of a rapid African swine fever (ASF) diagnostic test.

According to the announcement, the test would be used in combination with GNA's portable molecular diagnostic platform.

ASF is a devastating viral infection of swine causing severe clinical disease and high mortality. There currently are no effective vaccines for ASF due to the nature of the virus, and the disease cannot be treated. ASF does not affect humans.

It is currently unclear how far ASF will spread, jeopardizing many countries’ pig trade and supplies. Ongoing cases are found in eastern and central Europe, Asia — notably China and Vietnam — and sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Organization for Animal Health.

“We are delighted to enter this collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health. This collaboration further emphasizes the role of GNA Biosolutions in the rapidly developing field of extra-laboratory diagnostics and extends the application of our pulse controlled amplification (PCA) technology into animal protection,” GNA Biosolutions co-founder and managing director Dr. Lars Ullerich said.

“Together with GNA, we are striving to develop holistic solutions for veterinarians, farmers and the food-producing industry. The targeted platform will allow for faster decision-making based on more comprehensive diagnostic data,” noted Rolf-Dieter Günther, global head of diagnostics and monitoring animal health at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.