The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) posted an updated Diagnostic Assay Catalog on February 20, 2020. SHIC’s catalog provides diagnosticians with pertinent information about new and existing PCR and ELISA tests available, including confirmed contact information for the experts who developed the tests, allowing for questions about availability and use. The Diagnostic Assay Catalog includes six Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) in addition to 18 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assays developed in response to SHIC’s prioritized Swine Viral Disease Matrix. These additional tools may provide means to uncover emerging diseases.
The most recent update addresses the reality researchers sometimes change their employment or location; therefore it is necessary to periodically update their contact information for access to the tests. The catalog also summarizes the research behind the test development and covers technical background information including sample types as well as analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
Recognizing limitations on producer resources may be a barrier, SHIC also offers Diagnostic Fee Support in cases of high morbidity/high mortality, where an etiology is either not identified or there is a strong supposition the identified pathogen is not the likely cause of the outbreak. Support for the fees of further diagnostic work may help identify newly introduced or emerging swine diseases, addressing the risk of missing a significant issue if a definitive diagnosis is not pursued diligently.
Funded by America’s pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, the Swine Health Information Center focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.