Serological tests depend on available resources
ELISA
VNT
VNT
ELISA
PROS
• Best correlated with protection • Quantitative
• No BSL3 needed • Low expertise • Cheap • Quick
CONS
• BSL3 lab containment • High expertise • Expensive (~50€/test) • Time consuming (10 days)
• Poorly correlated with protection • Qualitative or semi-quantitative
Figure 2: There are two types of tests to dose FMD antibodies: namely viral neutralizing tests (VNTs) and enzyme-linked immune substrate assays (ELISAs), both with their respective advantages and disadvantages. A small trial using VNT is more valuable than a larger using ELISA, to extend the findings to a larger population.
Our Veterinary Public Health (VPH) approach does not propose a one-size-fits-all protocol applicable to all customers. Instead, each PVM project is a bespoke field trial, adjusted according to the specific context and objectives. This PVM approach, which we share with our customers, can offer insights into the immune status of animals at the time of booster vaccination. It can also can assess the level of Maternally Derived Antibodies (MDA) without interfering with the primary vaccination in young animals. Finally, PVM can evaluate the effectiveness of a vaccination schedule by assessing the Onset of Immunity (OOI) and/or Duration of Immunity (DOI). The insights gained from PVM allow Boehringer Ingelheim to augment its technical expertise about the effectiveness of FMD vaccines under real- world conditions. This knowledge empowers us to implement corrective actions and improvements to field technical recommendations.
For example, some PVM findings in a cattle farm using FMD vaccines demonstrated that the level of FMD immunity in adult cows was sufficient in controlling the spread of the virus and limiting clinical disease. However, it was noted that calves may be more susceptible due to the heterogeneity of MDA levels and their interference with active immunity. Recommendations suggested adjusting the vaccination program for calves, not only to protect them from the disease, but also to prevent them from potentially spreading the infection within the herd in the event of an outbreak. The trust and proximity afforded by customers in implementing the PVM allows Boehringer Ingelheim to stay abreast of epidemiological and field health practices in the fight against FMD, providing a combination of tailor-made premium vaccines and technical advice
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