Project Objectives

CSFV_goDIVA

Project Objectives

The objectives of the CSFV_goDIVA project are:
  • 1. Standardization of newly developed diagnostic methods applicable to domestic pigs and in wild boar
  • 2. Development and validation of new methods for the easy selection of suspicious animals (e.g. using thermographic infrared technology)
  • 3. Molecular epidemiology for a better risk analyses
  • 4. Final development and testing of the latest (3rd generation) modified live CSFV marker vaccines and accompanying DIVA diagnostics
  • 5. New methods for the easy oral application of the vaccine
  • 6. Role and pathogenesis of CSF virus reservoirs
  • 7. Validation of the newly developed strategies including an epidemiological modelling
  • 8. Exploration of alternative methods of suppression of viral replication.

In order to achieve the goals set, the project is divided into 15 Work Packages (WP) grouped into 5 major Tasks. The objectives for the individual Work Packages are listed below.

Task A. Recent developments in new generation live marker vaccines and molecular diagnostic tools
WP 1Selection of a final live vaccine candidate
WP 2Adaptation and establishment of live marker vaccine to industry scale production
WP 3Lab and field trials in view of the registration of the 3rd generation vaccine
WP 4New methods for the easy oral application of the vaccine
WP 5Field trial on wild boars, including baiting. Data collection/evaluation on wild boar vaccination
Task B. Epidemiology
WP 6Comparative evaluation of classic and alternative control strategies in domestic pigs based on economic analysis of CSF-spread model
WP 7Model based analysis of field data on CSFV transmission/persistence in the wild
WP 8Descriptive epidemiology in back yard pigs of classical swine fever
WP 9Early warning systems of CSF and surveillance in domestic pigs and wild boar
WP 10Explorative Molecular epidemiology (Distribution, clustering, species specificity)
Task C. Improve detection and diagnosis + validation (including DIVA diagnostic tools)
WP 11Evaluation of currently available antibody ELISAs for DIVA purposes. Characterisation of monoclonal antibodies and antigens for potential use in ELISAs.
WP 12Development of alternative new methods for DIVA detection of nucleic acids and antibodies for laboratory use and for on-site testing of domestic pigs and wild boars
WP 13Development and validation of new methods for the easy selection of suspicious animals (infra-red thermographic camera) and sample reduction (Pooling)
Task D. Improve knowledge on immunological reaction directly related to vaccine improvement
WP 14Improve knowledge on immunological reactions directly related to vaccine improvement
Task E. Alternative methods of suppression of viral replication
WP 15Exploration of alternative methods of suppression of viral replication

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