China has approved Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PCR-based workflow to detect, monitor and help limit the spread of African swine fever (ASF). PCR is the preferred ASF testing method there. It allows for earlier detection of the virus compared to other diagnostic methods. The Thermo Fisher ASF workflow passed stringent validation protocol carried out by China’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Source: The Pig Site, July 30, 2019. Link. “Our tools can help China’s diagnostic laboratories rapidly determine if ASF virus is on a farm so pig farmers and veterinarians can take appropriate action against further spread of the virus,” Martin Guillet, global head and general manager for AgriBusiness at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
INSIGHTS: Countries that haven’t had an ASF outbreak need to proactively monitor and prepare for the virus. This includes testing – test pigs, test feed, test feed components. This is important for every country, not just the ones where ASF is knocking on the doorsteps.