| Sponsor Message: |
 |
Time and Temp for Inactivation of ASF Virus Studied with SHIC Vietnam ASF Grant Funds
June 3, 2020 — Paul Sundberg
A project to determine the time and temperature for complete inactivation of the African swine fever (ASF) virus is underway, funded by The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) using proceeds from a $1.7 million USDA Foreign Agricultural Service grant awarded last fall. The goal is gathering as much information on ASF management and control as possible to benefit both US and Vietnamese pork producers. Researchers from the University of Nebraska and Vietnam National University of Agriculture looking at the time and temperature for ASF virus inactivation are specifically looking at aluminum surfaces contaminated with organic materials. The research will simulate the sanitation protocols currently used to disinfect animal trailers under three conditions:
- Scrape off organic material and bake at three temperatures for 15 minutes
- Scrape off organic material, wash the surface with water followed by baking at three temperatures for 15 minutes
- Scrape off organic material, wash the surface with water, spray disinfectant, followed by baking at three temperatures for 15 minutes
Researchers will use two methods for evaluating the efficiency of heat treatment - real-time PCR and virus titration in cultured cells to measure viral infectivity. Knowing ASF virus inactivation efficacy will better prepare producers for implementing sound biosecurity protocols should the disease reach the US.
As the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, SHIC continues to focus efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response to novel and emerging swine disease for the benefit of US swine health. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. SHIC is funded by America's pork producers to fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.