An updated Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Diagnostic Assay Catalog has been posted, according to a post by SHIC executive director Dr. Paul Sundberg on the American Association of Swine Veterinarians website.

The catalog now includes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detection of antibodies in serum and oral fluids against hepatitis E, sapelovirus, teschovirus, swine influenza virus, porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) and atypical porcine pestivirus, in addition to 18 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

The center's initial "PCR Assay Catalog," published in 2018, contained 17 SHIC-funded tests, Sundberg said.

He added that the new catalog illustrates how far the pork industry has advanced in the ability to test for emerging diseases as well as how SHIC is fulfilling its mission of diagnostic preparedness and readiness for possible new or emerging production diseases.

The catalog provides diagnosticians with pertinent information about newly developed and existing PCR and ELISA tests, including contact information for the experts for questions about availability and use. Additionally, the catalog summarizes the research behind the test development and covers technical background information, including sample types and analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, Sundberg said.

From evaluating risks via the SHIC Swine Disease Matrix to assessing the current diagnostic needs for quick identification of these pathogens to funding the development of tests, SHIC has led the pork industry to an enhanced level of emerging disease readiness, the post said.

Recognizing that limitations on producer resources may be a barrier, SHIC said it also offers Diagnostic Fee Support in cases of high morbidity/high mortality, where an etiology is either not identified or there is a strong supposition that the identified pathogen is not the likely cause of the outbreak. Support for the fees of further diagnostic work may help identify newly introduced or emerging swine diseases, addressing the risk of missing a significant issue if a definitive diagnosis is not pursued diligently.

Funded by America's pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the U.S. swine herd, SHIC focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health.

Source: SHIC, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.