Foot-and-mouth Disease Antibody Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Lateral Flow Assay with Indirect ELISA for Detection of Anti-NSP Antibodies of Foot and Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was an exceedingly infectious disease that spread to Indonesia in May 2022. A reliable diagnostic serologic test that can distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals was an important part of FMD (serotype O) control programs in affected areas in Indonesia. For this reason, a non-structural protein (NSP) serological test based on 3ABC proteins has been used. The indirect ELISA serological test requires time, skill, and specialized equipment. An alternative method that can be employed is the lateral flow assay (LFA), which offers the advantages of simplicity and portability, enabling rapid acquisition of results. The objective of this study was to validate the efficacy of a user-friendly anti-NSP antibody LFA for rapid diagnostic purposes. This was done by assessing its sensitivity and specificity in stored samples that had previously been tested using indirect ELISA. There were 32 preserved biological materials from dairy and beef cattle in three provinces in Indonesia that were examined with developed LFA. The results of each sample on LFA were compared to the ELISA result for its sensitivity and specificity according to positive and negative values on both tests. The test had a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 100%, compared to the indirect ELISA. The measured kappa value is also very good at 0.93, so LFA can be optionally used when examining anti-NSP FMD antibodies. Therefore, the LFA anti-NSP for detecting FMD is considered reliable because of its simplicity and the accuracy of the test results. Keywords: Antibody, Bovine serum, Foot and mouth disease, Indirect ELISA, Lateral flow assay

Diagnostic Overview of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Viruse (FMDV)

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the highly contagious diseases of domestic animals. Sensitive, specific, and quick detection of FMD virus antigens and antibodies is an essential corner stone diagnostic tool at each tier of control strategy. Continued development of molecular and genetic technologies combined with novel analytical techniques will benefit many areas of FMD research and understanding. Genome sequencing provides excellent insight into the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics of such viruses. The advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enables evolutionary studies of the entire viral swarm. Sequencing technologies have advanced uses of viral genomic data; which helps to understand the global distribution and Trans-boundary movements of Foot-and-mouth virus disease. Also sequencing information can be used to understand antigenic change within virus strains; therefore, the aim of this review is to assess various diagnostic techniques including conventional and advanced techniques both from agent and host response sides. Among the agent side virus isolation, RT-PCR, antigen ELISA and immune-chromatography strips are commonly used diagnostic tests. Whereas from the host side: infrared thermo gram, antibody ELISA and Virus neutralization are some mentions. Owing to current technological advancement: DNA sequencing and microarray, expressing a luciferase reporter and quantitative proteomics were reviewed. Therefore, potential confirmatory diagnostic test should be in combination with each other.

Serological detection of foot and mouth disease antibodies in apparenty healthy pigs within federal capital territory, Abuja

Swine production contributes significantly to the economic wealth of most farmers in developing nations including Nigeria. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been a highly contagious viral disease of agricultural importance in domestic ruminants and pigs, hampering livestock productivity in countries where the disease is still endemic. The study aimed to determine the swine FMD occurrence in order to elucidate the disease burden within Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs. One hundred (100) sera were collected from Pigs and subjected to 3ABC ELISA test at the FMD Laboratory in National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The result showed that out of 100 sera samples tested for FMD antibodies, 26 (26%) were positive and 74 (74%) were negative. Sero-positive distribution showed sow/gilt (32.7%), younger pigs (57.7%) and local breeds (50%) were more exposed to FMD. Although, this was not significant (P>0.05). Questionnaire report further showed knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of farmers was good, however, the absence of vaccination could be a contributing factor to FMD spread to other susceptible and between carrier livestock within the study area. This finding suggests an increasing occurrence of FMD in pigs within the Guinea Savanna Zone of North-Central Nigeria. In conclusion, FMD antibodies were detected in apparently healthy, unvaccinated pigs of all breeds, ages and sex slaughtered and reared in the FCT. Control efforts should be put in place to prevent possible transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease between pigs and cattle and other ruminants within and between herds, market and slaughter slabs.

Ultrasound monitoring of the regenerative treatment of Biceps Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis in dogs by stem cells injections

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and bluetongue disease (BT) are two of the most devastating viral diseases affecting domestic and wild ruminants. They cause significant economic losses, and vaccination is the most important method for combating both FMD and BT. Simultaneous vaccinations are crucial for animal welfare as well as labor and cost savings. No reports were found on the simultaneous administration of FMD and BT vaccines to sheep. This study evaluated the effect of the simultaneous administration of an inactivated FMD vaccine and an attenuated BT vaccine on the humoral immune response to both diseases. A total of 75 sixmonth- old Akkaraman-Kıvırcık crossbred sheep that did not have any vaccination history were used as research material. Before the experiment, the animals were tested for the absence of FMD and BT antibodies. The sheep were divided into three experimental groups and vaccinated with an FMD vaccine alone, a BT vaccine alone, and both. Blood samples were taken on days 30 and 60 post-vaccination. The blood samples were evaluated using liquid-phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) and virus neutralization test (VNT) for FMD antibodies, as well as competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) and VNT for BT antibodies. The study revealed that differences between the FMD and BT antibody titers of the group vaccinated simultaneously and the FMD and BT antibody titers obtained from the groups vaccinated separately were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the antibody response these diseases was not altered when the FMD and BT vaccines were administered together.

Seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goat) Slaughtered in Karu Abbatoir, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a contagious viral disease of cattle and sheep, causing ulceration of the hoofs and around the mouth. The role of small ruminants in FMD epidemiology is still poorly understood in Nigeria. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) antibodies in sheep and goats slaughtered in Karu abattoir. One hundred and twenty (120) sera each were collected from both sheep and goats and screened for FMDV antibodies using 3ABC ELISA. The result showed that 89 (74.2) of the sheep sera screened were positive for FMDV antibodies whereas 103 (85.8) of the goat sera were positive. It was more prevalent in goats. The finding indicates a characteristic maintenance host nature for FMD virus in small ruminants without apparent clinical signs. This study suggested an on-going infection in small ruminant co-herding with cattle as a risk factor. This risk factor may enhance FMD transmission associated with increased movement of infected live animals from endemic states to markets and abattoirs following livestock trade activities. FMD is a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) affecting livestock production and disrupting regional and international trade in animals and animal products. The detection of FMD antibodies in sheep and goats slaughtered in Karu abattoir suggests small ruminants play important roles in the epidemiology of Foot and Mouth Disease in Nigeria. Good tracking of origin and proper surveillance system for FMD in animals brought into the abbatoir to be slaughtered are recommended for a comprehensive prevention and control of the disease.

Epidemiological study on foot-and-mouth disease in small ruminants: Sero-prevalence and risk factor assessment in Kenya.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Kenya affecting cloven-hoofed ruminants. The epidemiology of the disease in small ruminants (SR) in Kenya is not documented. We carried out a cross-sectional study, the first in Kenya, to estimate the sero-prevalence of FMD in SR and the associated risk factors nationally. Selection of animals to be sampled used a multistage cluster sampling approach. Serum samples totaling 7564 were screened for FMD antibodies of non-structural-proteins using ID Screen® NSP Competition ELISA kit. To identify the risk factors, generalized linear mixed effects (GLMM) logistic regression analysis with county and villages as random effect variables was used. The country animal level sero-prevalence was 22.5% (95% CI: 22.3%-24.3%) while herd level sero-prevalence was 77.6% (95% CI: 73.9%-80.9%). The risk factor that was significantly positively associated with FMD sero-positivity in SR was multipurpose production type (OR = 1.307; p = 0.042). The risk factors that were significantly negatively associated with FMD sero-positivity were male sex (OR = 0.796; p = 0.007), young age (OR = 0.470; p = 0.010), and sedentary production zone (OR = 0.324; p<0.001). There were no statistically significant intra class correlations among the random effect variables but interactions between age and sex variables among the studied animals were statistically significant (p = 0.019). This study showed that there may be widespread undetected virus circulation in SR indicated by the near ubiquitous spatial distribution of significant FMD sero-positivity in the country. Strengthening of risk-based FMD surveillance in small ruminants is recommended. Adjustment of husbandry practices to control FMD in SR and in-contact species is suggested. Cross-transmission of FMD and more risk factors need to be researched.

Surveillance for One Health and high consequence veterinary pathogens (Brucellosis, Coxiellosis and Foot and Mouth Disease) in Southeast Asia: Lao PDR and Cambodia in focus and the importance of international partnerships

Animal disease surveillance in limited-resource countries is challenging but critical in providing epidemiological information to inform disease prevention and control programmes. Despite multiple international agencies and partnerships supporting Lao PDR and Cambodia’s animal disease surveillance activities over many years, cost-effectiveness and sustainability remain significant constraints. Here we describe the development and implementation of national abattoir-based surveillance networks in Laos and central Cambodia consisting of an information exchange platform and sample collection and submission systems. The networks enhanced the national surveillance capacity and provided snapshot information of seroprevalence for selected One Health and high consequence veterinary pathogens, including Q fever, brucellosis, and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Despite abattoir survey data revealing that the seroprevalence of Q fever and brucellosis was generally low, the true impact on public health for these diseases remains unclear due to low levels of awareness and diagnostic capacity. FMD antibodies derived from natural infection rather than vaccination were noted in greater than 40% of the animal sampled in both countries, which suggests significant underreporting of outbreak events. Such networks will continue to be refined to improve their cost-effectiveness and sustainability, including the introduction of a simple online application for reporting animal disease outbreaks as well as expanding to other relevant One Health pathogens and species.

Selection and use of reference panels: a case study highlighting current gaps in the materials available for foot and mouth disease.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals describes a diverse array of assays that can be used to detect, characterise and monitor the presence of infectious agents of farmed livestock. These methods have been developed in different laboratories, at different times, and often include tests or kits provided by the commercial sector. Reference panels are essential tools that can be used during assay development and in validation exercises to compare the performance of these varied (and sometimes competing) diagnostic technologies. World Organisation for Animal Health Reference Laboratories already provide approved international standard reagents to help calibrate diagnostic tests for a range of diseases, but there remain important gaps in their availability for comparative purposes and the calibration of test results across different laboratories. Using foot and mouth disease (FMD) as an example, this review highlights four specific areas where new reference reagents are required. These are to: reduce bias in estimates of the diagnostic sensitivity and inter-serotypic specificity of tests used to detect diverse strains of FMD virus (FMDV), provide bio-safe positive controls for new point-of-care test formats that can be deployed outside high containment, harmonise FMDV antigens for post-vaccination serology, and address inter-laboratory differences in serological assays used to measure virus-specific FMD antibody responses. Since there are often limited resources to prepare and distribute these materials, sustainable progress in this arena will only be achievable if there is consensus and coordination of these activities among OIE Reference Laboratories.

Seroprevalence of serotype O of foot-and-mouth disease virus in vaccinated pigs and cattle in Ho Chi Minh City

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence against serotype O FMD (foot and mouth disease) virus in vaccinated pigs and cattle in Ho Chi Minh City, as a basis to serve the prevention of FMD epidemics in these animals. A total of 535 pigs and 366cattle sera were tested by using the Elisa kit for the detection of serotype O FMD antibody (Pirbright, UK). Results of this study showed that most pig farms had the proportions of positive animals for antibodies against FMDV serotype O which met the requirements of Decision no. 07/2016/ Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, except Xuan Thoi Thuong, Thai My and Phu My Hung. All sows had high levels of antibodies against serotype O FMD virus. There were no significant differences in the ratios of positive pigs for antibodies against FMDV serotype O among types of pig and age groups. However, there were significant differences in the seroprevalence of vaccinated pigs across herd sizes and days post-vaccination. Meanwhile, the overall seroprevalence of vaccinated cattle against FMDV at individual-level was over 80.00%. No statistical differences were found in the seroprevalence of vaccinated cattle against type OFMDV among regions, types of cattle, herd sizes, age groups and days post-vaccination. In conclusion, pigs raised in farms of Xuan Thoi Thuong, Thai My and Phu My Hung communes should be revaccinated with FMD vaccine to prevent the risk of pigs being infected with FMD virus and reduce the amount of virus produced by an infected animal.

Serological evaluation for the current epidemic situation of foot and mouth disease among cattle and buffaloes in Egypt.

Aim:The present study was aimed to investigate the epidemic situation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Egypt from 2016 to 2018 based on the detection of FMD virus (FMDV) in carrier or previously infected animals, by determination of antibodies against non-structural protein (NSP), implementation a pilot study on circulating FMDV serotypes and assure the efficacy of locally produced inactivated trivalent vaccine.Materials and Methods:A total of 1500 sera were collected from apparent healthy vaccinated cattle and buffaloes from three Egyptian geographical sectors, representing ten governorates. Determination of FMD antibodies against NSP was carried out using 3ABC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Serotyping of the circulating FMDV and assure the vaccine efficacy was performed using solid-phase competitive ELISA.Results:The 3ABC ELISA test revealed 26.4% and 23.7% positive for FMDV-NSP antibodies in cattle and buffalo sera, respectively. The highest positivity was in Delta Sector among both cattle 42.3% and buffaloes 28.8%. Serotyping of FMDV-positive NSP sera in El-Qalyubia Governorate for the circulating FMDV serotypes O, A, and Southern African Territories (SAT) 2 was 52.2%, 17.4%, and 30.4% in cattle and 31.8%, 27.3%, and 40.9% in buffaloes, respectively. The overall protection level due to the vaccination program was 62.1 and 60.9% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively, while the protective level of the FMDV serotypes O, A, and SAT2 included in the inactivated trivalent vaccine was 73.9, 84.6, and 63.8% in cattle and 72.3, 82.3, and 63.5% in buffaloes, respectively.Conclusion:The present study recommended full determination for the immunogenic relationship between the vaccine strains and the field strains to attain maximum protection against the circulating viruses.

Field serological investigation for peste des petits ruminants, foot-and-mouth disease, and bluetongue diseases in illegally introduced animals in Egypt.

Aim:In this study, laboratory scoping on the viruses that cause peste des petits ruminants (PPR), bluetongue (BT), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was performed to evaluate the current status of animals illegally introduced into Egypt. This study aims to help control these infectious illnesses and tries to prevent the introduction of other strains of these three viruses to Egypt, as these illnesses spread quickly if not controlled.Materials and Methods:In the year 2018, 62 serum samples were collected and serologically tested through competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits to detect antibodies against PPR, BT, and FMD, which are three important transboundary infectious illnesses.Results:The results indicated that 60 out of 62 serum samples were positive for PPR antibodies (96.7%), 31 out of 62 were positive for FMD antibodies (50%), and 59 out of 62 serum samples were positive for BT antibodies (95%).Conclusion:This study revealed that PPR, FMD, and BT can be introduced into Egypt through the illegal introduction of sheep and goat from neighboring countries. Laboratory diagnostic abilities should be improved for the early detection and control of these illnesses.

Effect of simultaneous administration of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and anthrax vaccines on antibody response to FMD in sheep.

PurposeFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and anthrax are important diseases in sheep. Vaccination is a favorable strategy against both infections. Simultaneous administration of vaccines does generally not impede the immune responses of each other, although there are some exceptions, and it may help reduce the labor and costs of vaccination as well as distress on animals. Although oil adjuvant FMD vaccine has been tried with live anthrax vaccine in cattle, there are no reports on the simultaneous use of both vaccines in sheep.Materials and MethodsIn this study, FMD seronegative sheep were used to investigate the impact of the simultaneous vaccination of FMD and anthrax on FMD antibody titers of sheep. Virus neutralization test and liquid phase blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine the antibody response to the FMD vaccine.ResultsThe results demonstrated that both vaccines can be used simultaneously without any interference with the FMD response. Moreover, the simultaneous administration with anthrax vaccine had a stimulating effect on the early (day 7 post-vaccination) virus neutralization antibody response to the FMD vaccine.ConclusionThe simultaneous use of the FMD and anthrax vaccines did not hinder the response to the FMD vaccine in sheep.

Is orf infection a risk to expanding goat production in developing countries? A study from Lao PDR

Following increases in demand for goats in Laos and in adjacent Vietnam in Southeast Asia, reports of several outbreaks of suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) were investigated in September–October 2016 in four Lao rural villages. The investigation involved clinical and pathological examination of infected animals, plus interviews of goat smallholder farmers (n=33). Serum (n=32) and oral and facial lesion tissue (n=8) samples were collected, with sera submitted for serological tests for FMD and tissues examined by histopathology. The sera were negative for FMD antibodies and histopathology confirmed the lesions were due to orf virus infection. Of the farmers interviewed, 25 indicated that several of their goats displayed clinical signs of oral or facial skin disease, with lesions extending from the lips and surrounding tissue extending occasionally to the ears, although they were unable to provide a reliable response on when the disease first occurred. Of the average infected herd size of 9 goats, 3 displayed clinical signs consistent with orf and one animal (less than six months of age) died from or with suspected orf infection. The investigation concluded that these outbreaks were due to orf infection and it was highly unlikely that previous or concurrent exposure to FMD virus was a contributing risk factor. Extension programs are required to assist smallholder goat farmers improve their knowledge and practice of goat health and production. With a rapidly increasing population of goats in smallholder and more recently commercial goat production systems in Laos, improved biosecurity to manage the risks of infectious diseases including orf, is advised.

English

This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) seropositivity in north central, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from February 2013 to April 2014 using 1206 sera from 150 herds collected by multi-stage and random sampling methods. Pre-tested questionnaire were also administered to participating farmers to collect information on the animal herd structure, movement pattern, management system and herds contact at watering points. Samples collected were tested for evidence of FMD antibodies using the 3ABC non-structural antibodies enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of FMD in North-Central Nigeria was found to be 70.98% (95% CI: 68.37-73.49). FMD seroprevalence was found to be higher in Niger State 85.4% (95% CI: 83.46-88.03) relative to Plateau State 54.2% (95% CI: 50.12-58.16), which was statistically associated with FMD seropositivity (P&lt;0.05). Risk factors such as sex, management system, trans-boundary crossing and herd mixing at the watering point were found to be statistically associated with FMD seropositivity (p&lt;0.05). This confirms that FMD is enzootic in the study area and control of foot and mouth disease in Nigeria using animal movement control and vaccination is therefore advocated. Key words: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), prevalence, endemic, serotypes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies.

English

Foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD) is one of the most important trans-boundary animal diseases in Africa with outbreaks occurring mostly in cattle. However, there is scarcity of information on the potential role of camels in the epidemiology of FMD virus in West Africa. A total of 360 camel sera collected from abattoir&nbsp; in Nigeria from different geo-political zones (North, West and East) were screened for the presence of antibodies produced against 3ABC non-structural proteins (NSP) for foot-mouth-disease virus (FMDV) using a commercially available kit prioCHECK&reg; FMDV NS. Thirty nine, (10.83%) out of the 360 sera samples were tested positive for 3ABC NSP ELISA. The 39 positive samples were further subjected for sero-typing using solid-phase competitive ELISA (SPCE) for antibodies to FMDV serotype A and O (Solid-Phase Competitive ELISA, IZSLER Brescia-Italy).&nbsp; Two out of the 39 sera samples were positive for serotype A and the remaining were negative for both serotype A and O. This appears to be the first report of evidence of FMD antibodies in dromedaries in West Africa and that dromedaries may be susceptible to FMDV infection. &nbsp; Key words: 3ABC; camel, ELISA, foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD), non-structural proteins (NSP), sera.

Effects of chelated Zn/Cu/Mn on redox status, immune responses and hoof health in lactating Holstein cows.

To evaluate the effects of chelated Zn/Cu/Mn on redox status, immune responses and hoof health in lactating Holstein cows, 48 head in early lactation were divided into healthy or lame groups according to their gait score. Cows were fed the same amount of Zn/Cu/Mn as sulfate salts or in chelated forms for 180 days, and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine was injected at day 90. The results showed that lame cows had lower antioxidant function, serum Zn/Mn levels, hair Cu levels, and hoof hardness. Moreover, increased antioxidant status, FMD antibody titers, serum and hair levels of Zn/Cu/Mn, and hoof hardness and decreased milk fat percent and arthritis biomarkers were observed in cows fed chelated Zn/Cu/Mn. In summary, supplementation with chelated Zn/Cu/Mn improved antioxidant status and immune responses, reduced arthritis biomarkers, and increased accumulation of Zn/Cu/Mn in the body and hoof hardness in dairy cows.

Tracing the antibody mediated acquired immunity by Foot and Mouth disease and Rift Valley Fever combined vaccine in pregnant ewes and their lambs

Aim: The aim of this study is to provide adequate protection to ewes and their lambs against Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) and Rift Valley Fever (RVF). Materials and Methods: A combined inactivated FMD and RVF oil vaccine was prepared successfully. Such vaccine was found to be free from foreign contaminants, safe and potent as determined by quality control tests such as challenge protection percentage for FMD and mice ED 50 for RVF. Vaccination of pregnant ewes with the prepared combined vaccine and determination of the antibody level via serum neutralization test (SNT) and Enzyme Linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) in the vaccinated pregnant ewes and their lambs. Results: Vaccination of pregnant ewes revealed that these ewes exhibited high levels of specific antibodies against the included vaccine antigens (Foot and Mouth disease virus type A Iran O5, O PanAsia and SAT2/EGY/2012 and RVFV-ZH501). FMD antibodies recorded their peaks by the 10 th week post vaccination while those of RVF recorded their peaks by the 12 th week post vaccination then all antibodies began to decrease gradually to reach their lowest protective titers for FMD by the 32 nd week post vaccination and those for RVF by the 34 th week post vaccination. Potency test of the prepared combined vaccine expressed as protection percentage of vaccinated sheep against target virulent FMD virus serotypes reflected a protection percentage of 80% against type O and SAT2 and 100% against A while for RVF, the mice ED 50 was found to be 0.009 indicating the potency of the prepared vaccine. The antibody titer in serum and colostrum of vaccinated pregnant ewes at day of parturition (10-12 week post vaccination) recorded a high titer against FMD serotype (O), serotype (A), serotype (SAT2) and against RVF. It was noticed that the colostrum antibody titers were slightly higher than those in the sera of vaccinated ewes at time of parturition. The newly born lambs from vaccinated ewes, exhibited good levels of maternal immunity against the included antigens through suckling their mother colostrum by the 24 hrs. post parturition. The newly born lambs recorded their highest level by 1 week of birth and lasted within a protective level up to 11-12 week of birth. Conclusion: Using of FMD/RVF combined vaccine provided a sufficient immune status for pregnant ewes as well as for their lambs. Vaccination of newly born lambs should be carried out by the 4 th month of birth.

Contacts and foot and mouth disease transmission from wild to domestic bovines in Africa

Wildlife is a maintenance host for several significant livestock diseases. Interspecific pathogen transmission may occur in complex socio‐ecological systems at wild‐domestic interfaces that have so far been seldom studied. We investigated the relationship between the dynamics of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle populations with respect to frequency of contacts with African buffalo at different buffalo‐cattle interfaces.A total of 36 GPS collars were deployed on African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle (Bos taurus,Bos indicus) to assess contact patterns at the periphery of 3 protected areas in Zimbabwe. Simultaneously, a longitudinal survey of 300 cattle with five repeated sampling sessions on known individuals during 16 months was undertaken. Immunological assays (ELISAs), that allowed tracking the production of antibodies following infection or vaccination, were used to assess serological transitions (i.e., incidence and reversion) in the surveyed cattle. Variation in rates of serological transitions across seasons, sites and as a function of the frequency of contact with buffalo was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models.The incidence in the cattle populations of FMD antibodies produced following infection varied among sites and as a function of contact rates with African buffalo. The incidence was higher for sites with higher contact rates between the two species. The serological incidence was also related to seasons, being higher during the dry or rainy seasons depending on sites. The reversion rate pattern was the opposite of this incidence rate pattern. Vaccination seemed partly efficient at the individual level, but it did not prevent the diffusion of FMD viruses from the wild reservoir host to the domestic cattle population. Furthermore, antibodies were detected in areas where cattle had not been vaccinated, suggesting that the virus may have spread without being detected in domestic populations.Access to resources shared by buffalo and livestock, particularly water and grazing areas during the dry season, could partly explain the observed patterns of FMD transmission. We discuss how insights on ecological processes leading to wildlife‐livestock contacts may provide some innovative solutions to improve FMD management, including surveillance, prevention or control of buffalo‐borne outbreaks, by adopting strategies targeting risky areas and periods.

돼지에서 구제역 백신 접종 후 항체가 변화 조사

Three serotypes (O+A+Asia1 type) of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine were injected into cloven-hoofed animals in Korea after the nationwide spread of FMD at the end of 2010. This study was conducted to investigate FMD antibody development after FMD vaccination, and to determine whether there was a significant correlation between the antibody titer of the sow and the antibody titer of the growing pigs. The antibody titer (percentage inhibition [PI] titer) of the sow (gilt) after FMD vaccination was maintained at a level higher than 50 (P<0.05) for 5 months. A higher PI titer for the 1-month-old growing pigs corresponded with greater inhibition of the PI titer of the vaccinated growing pigs (P<0.05). A negative correlation (P<0.05) between the PI titer of the 1-month-old growing pigs and the PI titer of 3-month-old growing pigs, 4-month-old growing pigs after FMD vaccination at 2 months, 3months was identified, with a coefficient of determination (<TEX>$R^2$</TEX>) of 0.274. Thus the PI titer of the growing pigs was inhibited to a greater degree when vaccination was performed at 2 months of age than at 3 months. However, many other factors likely influence growing pigs' PI titer in addition to the PI titer of the sow and age at vaccination, given that the coefficient of determination was somewhat lower.

Detection of Foot-and- Mouth Disease Sub-clinical infection in sheep imported from free zones of Georgia during Hajj season 2009 in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) sub-clinically infected animals, are always a threat to susceptible herds. During Hajj season 2009 (1431 Hijri) the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) imported about 204,583 sheep from FMD free areas from Republic of Georgia through Jeddah Islamic seaport. The animals were clinically free from FMD and authorized as not been previously vaccinated. However, but during the routine laboratory examination of serum samples using FMD-3ABC ELISA some sheep consignments exhibited positivness for FMD anti-bodies. The liquid phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) was performed as a confirmatory test which revealed antibodies against FMD serotype O, the suggesting that animals may be susceptible to FMD infection from any endemic countries passed through during overseas transportation. This study will contribute towards the development of an appropriate strategy for FMD control, including the choice of countries of the animal importation, as well as assist to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of FMD.