United States: PEDv research project updates

National Pork Board funded PEDv research project updates for 10/3/2013 are posted on the AASV website and Pork.org. Some key interim results include:

• PEDv can survive in slurry for at least 28 days at -20C.
• OSU researchers have passaged the US PEDV isolate in Vero cells for 6 passages. Viral RNA titers increased up to 5-6 log10-fold in the presence of 10 μg/mL trypsin (Invitrogen) for the 5th and 6th passages by quantitative real time RTPCR
• The study observations to date show a good correlation in PEDV detection between oral fluids and fecal swabs under experimental conditions, suggesting that oral fluid sampling can be a good tool for monitoring PEDV circulation on farm. In addition, relatively long fecal shedding of PEDV from nonclinical pigs (i.e., no diarrhea) after infection should be taken into consideration for prevention and control plan including biosecurity.
• UMN researchers’ Attempts to adapt PEDV in various cells lines (n=9) have been unsuccessful. However, the NVSL strain seems to be growing in their Vero-76 cells. The researchers are now studying the effect of virus concentration on cells.
• We have preliminary evidence that we have developed a nucleocapsid-based ELISA for the detection of PEDV seroconversion. For further characterization and validation of this ELISA, we have requested and obtained serum and oral fluid samples from Dick Hesse. These samples were taken over a time course of PEDV infection. We have also requested known PEDV positive and negative serum samples from the University of Minnesota diagnostic lab.

Indiana Packers has developed and implemented a Livestock Transporter Biosecurity Protocol designed to minimize the likelihood of disease spread occurring at the packing plant.