Benchtop training : advanced diagnosis and sequencing of African Swine Fever virus

Most of the training took place at the transboundary animal diseases (TAD) facility, a high containment facility situated at about 500 meters of the main campus, where several pathogens, many of them alien to the country, are being manipulated under BSL-3 conditions.

Besides a large number of lectures on ASF and the recommended diagnostic techniques, practical training was delivered on :

Virus Isolation and Molecular Diagnostics

• Aseptic cell culture techniques
• Sample processing and manual DNA Extraction
• Automated DNA extraction and the use of portable PCR equipment for Pen-side testing
• Real-time PCR
• Alternative methods for sample collection
• ASF Vectors and surveillance
• Conventional PCR for genetic characterisation
• PCR Clean-up
• ASF Serology (ELISA and lateral flow devices)

Sequence Analysis and Phylogenetics      

• Sequencing, Sequence Analysis and Phylogenetics

The training is part of the establishment of a wider network of international reference laboratories, along with regional service laboratories (non-FAO, nor WOAH accredited national reference laboratories with an interest in serving the sub-region). In order to assess the capacity of the 7 laboratories to conduct the diagnostic protocols in their own facilities, the current training will be followed by a proficiency testing round, coordinated by the OVRI in weeks to follow.