Abstract: Analysis of Acidified Feed Components Containing African Swine Fever Virus

Oct 06, 2022

Abstract: Analysis of acidified feed components containing African swine fever virus

Mitigation of African swine fever (ASF) virus in contaminated feed materials would assist control activities. Various finely-ground pig feed ingredients (5 cereals, 4 plant proteins, 2 animal proteins, 1 oil, 1 compound) were sprayed and mixed thoroughly with a buffered formic acid formulation (0, 1 or 2% vol/vol) to produce a consistent and durable level of formate (1% or 2%) with consistent acidification of cereal ingredients to less than pH 4. No such acidification was noted in other ingredients. Selected representative feed ingredients were further mixed with infectious ASF virus (106 TCID50) or media alone and incubated for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 or 168 h. The residual ASF virus at each timepoint was quantified using qPCR and a cell culture based TCID50 assay to determine survivability. Maize, rice bran and compound feed (with or without formate) all reduced infectious ASF virus to levels below the detection threshold of the cell culture assay (101.3 TCID50/mL). A consistent reduction in ASF virus DNA levels was observed by qPCR assay when maize containing ASF virus was mixed with 1% or 2% buffered formic acid.

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Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.