Scientists Develop Practical Biosecurity Tool for the Swine Industry
Kansas State University researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to enhance biosecurity in the swine industry by detecting African Swine Fever (ASF) virus on surfaces. This innovation could significantly bolster efforts to prevent the spread of this devastating disease, which has yet to appear in the United States but has caused substantial losses across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Dr. Jordan Gebhardt, a swine production specialist and veterinarian at K-State, explains that the study used everyday household items to collect samples for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. The materials included cotton gauze, polyester swabs, sponge sticks, and dry sweep cloths, demonstrating a practical and accessible approach to environmental sampling.
The Threat of African Swine Fever
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease with a near 100% fatality rate in pigs. Its detection in the United States would result in an immediate halt to pork exports, posing a catastrophic risk to the domestic swine industry. Despite extensive research, no vaccine or treatment currently exists, making prevention paramount.
“This virus would be devastating to our domestic swine herd,” says Dr. Gebhardt. “Keeping the virus out is a critical area of focus for research.”
A Simple Yet Sophisticated Solution
K-State researchers have adapted the well-known PCR diagnostic method, familiar to many due to its use in COVID-19 testing, to detect ASF. By swabbing surfaces such as feed transportation equipment, trucks, and shipping containers, the team demonstrated how environmental sampling could identify virus presence.
“This research addresses the complex challenge of collecting reliable samples from various surfaces,” Dr. Gebhardt notes. “To date, there hasn’t been a strong set of qualified research characterizing the best way to collect these samples.”
Advancing Biosecurity
The study’s findings provide a crucial layer of biosecurity, offering a way to monitor potential ASF contamination before it reaches U.S. borders. Dr. Gebhardt emphasizes that in the event of an outbreak, these techniques could also help identify affected areas rapidly, enabling swift implementation of control measures.
K-State’s work, supported by the Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense Center at Texas A&M University, represents a significant step forward in protecting the swine industry.
Future Implications
Dr. Gebhardt highlights ongoing testing to refine PCR reliability further. Researchers are also addressing a key question: determining whether detected viral fragments indicate the presence of an infectious virus or remnants incapable of spreading disease.
“At K-State, we are committed to practical diagnostic testing to improve biosecurity practices,” Dr. Gebhardt says. “Our research ensures the swine industry is better equipped to prevent and manage potential outbreaks.”
The full study is available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information, supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
For more details, visit K-State Research and Extension.
