Bernardo Predicala, Yuriy Kryachko, D. Korber – Accurate and rapid detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) is essential for the implementation of control measures. A rapid PEDv test kit from the Philippines showed suitability for detecting PEDv strains in the Canadian swine herd. Visual interpretation of the test kit results was somewhat ambiguous, therefore were improved at the Prairie Swine Centre. Current work is focusing on using an alternative dye to generate better colour differentiation between positive and negative results (yellow vs pink/red colours instead of sky-blue vs. purple/light blue in the original kit). Further revisions such as reformulating reagents to dry format and modifying sample preparation procedures are also being done. The improved test wit will then be re-tested in the laboratory, where its sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability will also be assessed. Afterwards, the performance of the improves test kit will be validated by field testing in PED positive pig farms.
The possibility of using the Andali RT-LAMP kit in Canadian swine production is clear. To make this a reality, the developing lab based in the Philippines would need to work with a suitable Canadian entity or organization to gain permits from government regulatory agencies and commercialize this test kit.
