Roadmap for the development of diagnostic tests for FMD

What are we trying to achieve and why? What is the problem we are trying to solve?

To identify new samples allowing early identification and safe and effective preserving media for FMDV transport allowing high to retrieve high quality virus reducing biosecurity risks.

What are the scientific and technological challenges
(knowledge gaps needing to be addressed)?

• Isolation of viruses from LFDs
• Develop preserving medium
• Develop low-cost, easy to use medium to collect and preserve FMDV
• Establish a simpler method for RNA extraction
• Validate of the best sample for early detection
• Validate biosafety and biosecurity of transportation of inactivated virus in penside tests
• Investigate swab material impact on sample quality
• Improve sampling technique (probing) and method of preservation
• Validate non-invasive sample collection methods (especially for buffaloes)

What approaches could/should be taken to address the research question?

Investigate technologies that allow sampling and preservation such as dry swabs, or filter paper, or nanoparticles or penside tests that could specifically concentrate and remove virus from inactivating agents.

Existing knowledge including successes and failures

Novel sampling methods that show promise include air sampling and baited ropes, the latter may aid sampling in wildlife and swine.