Issue:
The global spread of African Swine Fever virus (ASFv) in recent years poses a tremendous risk to swine production in the U.S. as well as to associated agricultural industries and communities. Previous research has demonstrated that ASFv can be spread by movement of live animals, animal products such as meat, and a wide variety of surfaces that may have come in contact with ASFv such as shipping containers, vehicles, and personnel. This project examined methodologies to detect environmental contamination with viruses such as ASFv.
Objective:
The objective of this work was to develop and validate sampling methods for ASFv on various surfaces, representative of surfaces on which ASFv could potentially enter the U.S. and threaten agricultural systems. The methodology focused on practical application of techniques in the field, facilitating rapid response while minimizing need for specialized equipment to collect appropriate sample types.
Value Proposition:
This project provided recommendations for best practices for environmental sampling based on a scientific approach, communicated through peer-reviewed scientific journal articles (two published and two pending) and conferences, fact sheets, and popular press to reach stakeholders at all levels (e.g., Federal and State Animal Health Officials, veterinarians and local farms). These practical methods will be used to inform accurate determination of risk levels and validate decontamination procedures for a variety of surface types found on transport containers and vehicles entering the U.S. that pose a biological threat to national security. The ability to identify contaminated surfaces to enact additional biosecurity measures is a tremendous asset to combat the risk of virus introduction. Such validated methods are a critical tool to be used by the Department of Homeland Security to assess risk and identify potential biosecurity gaps which pose a threat to our swine industry and national security.
| Project Lead | Kansas State University Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology and Department of Animal Sciences and Industry |
| Research Team | PI: Jordan Gebhardt, DVM, Ph.D., Kansas State University Co-PI: Natasha Gaudreault, Kansas State University Co-PI: Juergen Richt, DVM, Ph.D., Kansas State University Co-PI: Cassie Jones, Kansas State University Co-PI: Jason Woodworth, Kansas State University Co-PI: Chad Paulk, Kansas State University |
| Budget | $334,865 |
| Duration | Sept. 2022 – Dec.2024 |