Detection of African swine fever virus in rats

Poo, Yuen Xun (2023) Detection of African swine fever virus in rats. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Rats are major pests in pig farms that play a potential role in transmitting several diseases to pigs. The role of rats in transmitting African swine fever virus (ASFV) mechanically to pigs has not been completely understood, and this should be investigated as African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks had caused significant losses to the pig industries worldwide. The purpose of the study was to determine rats as mechanical vectors of ASFV. This study was done by collecting oronasal, thoracic and paw swab samples from 15 rats in five farms, conducting sample processing followed by DNA extraction using IDEXX RealPCRTM DNA/RNA magnetic bead kit (IDEXX Montpellier, France), and carrying out real-time PCR using IDEXX RealPCR ASFV DNA test (IDEXX Montpellier, France) on the swab samples to detect the presence of ASFV. One rat was detected as ASFV-positive and the positive sample was a thoracic swab. No ASFV was detected in the oronasal and paw swab samples. Positive result of thoracic swab might be due to the large surface area of thoracic region of rats compared to the oronasal region and paws. Sex of rats might be associated with ASFV-positivity but body length and body weight of rats might not be associated. However, the assumptions made were only based on the limited sample size of this study. Generally, rats are mechanical vectors of ASFV and the findings highlight the need for farmers to control the rat population in their farms.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms. Nordeena Abdul Aziz
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2024 07:50
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2024 07:50
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2100

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