Differentiation of foot and mouth disease virus serotypes in animals in high-risk zones of Georgia/Natela
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is considered as one of the most harmful diseases of farm animals, capable of generating large losses in livestock productivity and trade. Due to its high contagiousness, FMD outbreaks easily spread across national borders, infecting whole regions. Several factors create risks for FMD spread in Georgia: free migration of animals in seasonal pastures, annual outbreaks at the border and in nearby countries, diversity of animal maintenance across countries. FMD is caused by a virus, more precisely an ssRNA picornavirus from the Aphthovirus genus, and has seven immunologically distinct serotypes: A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3 and Asia 1. Vaccination for FMD must be able to cover multiple serotypes in order to be effective. Since 2012, the Georgian Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture (LMA) has developed an active collaboration with the National Food Agency (NFA): twice annually NFA vaccinates large and small ruminant animals with a vaccine covering three serotypes (A, O, Asia 1). Despite this program the virus is still in circulation in many Georgian regions, as confirmed by a recent post vaccination study conducted in 2017 on over 4991 animal blood samples. In this study, we will estimate the prevalence of the seven FMDV serotypes circulating in different regions of Georgia, in order to identify the exact serotypes that cause the infection. Since only three FMDV serotypes are covered in the current vaccination program this study will lead to a determination if that vaccination program is appropriate. Additionally, this study will allow LMA specialists to develop the laboratory tests ("Standard Operating Procedure", SOP) to detect different serotypes of the FMD virus. This project will have a remarkable impact on Georgia economy, which is largely based on livestock trade, and it will lower the treat of contagious outbreak in the Caucasus region, thus contributing in improving the safety of the whole area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910015
Entities
People
- Natela Toklikishvili
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency