USDA Adds Blood Swabs and Spots as Official ASF Testing Tissues
The USDA has approved blood swabs and spots as samples for official African swine fever (ASF) testing during foreign animal disease (FAD) investigations, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) reports.
“These are an important addition to antemortem samples previously approved since August 2018. The full list of approved samples now includes whole blood, tonsil, spleen, lymph node, spleen swabs, blood swabs and blood spots,” says Paul Sundberg, SHIC executive director.
However, while there are important additions, Sundberg says more work needs to be done to fully integrate blood swabs and blood spots into the ASF/CSF active surveillance program as well as the ASF Red Book.
“The process is ongoing. SHIC will continue to monitor developments and share progress with stakeholders interested in ASF testing protocols,” Sundberg says.
Per the USDA, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratories and state animal health officials have been notified that blood swabs and spots have been added as official ASF testing tissues. USDA plans to follow up to get controlled copy protocols in place. Sundberg says collaborative work continues to get the details and gaps identified and addressed.
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