For Merefelt Livestock diagnostics, it means rapidly distinguishing vaccine-derived from field PRRSV strains while improving diagnostic efficiency and supporting faster herd-level decisions.
Here’s what Lab Manager Henri Beulen had to say about his experience with the virotype PRRSV EU Vax RT-PCR Kit:
“We are very satisfied with this new test kit which was developed in direct response to Merefelts’ needs. Its key advantage, particularly on farms where live PRRSV vaccines are used, is the rapid and reliable differentiation between vaccine virus and field virus following a positive general PRRSV PCR result. This enables us to provide clear answers to our clients much faster while also reducing costs, as sequencing is no longer required to make this distinction (except for more detailed characterization, such as phylogenetic investigations).
In light of the National PRRS Plan and the expected increase in PCR testing, this kit represents a highly valuable tool that enhances both diagnostic efficiency and herd-level decision-making.”
Meet Daland C. Herrmann, the Senior Scientist behind the development of our newest innovation, the virotype IHNV/VHSV PT-PCR Kit! This triplex real-time RT-PCR Kit enables the simultaneous detection of RNA from both Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV)and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV), two of the most significant pathogens affecting salmonid populations. This assay offers high sensitivity and specificity with a fast run time and easy-to-use format. It is also the first and only multiplex IHNV/VHSV RT-PCR Kit approved in Germany by the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI-C 133).
Q: What inspired the development of the virotype IHNV/VHSV RT-PCR Kit?
The lack of standardized, approved multiplex detection kits for IHNV and VHSV in Germany, along with recent outbreaks causing significant losses in regional fish populations and the resulting economic impact on farmers have led INDICAL BIOSCIENCE to develop this kit.
Q: How does the virotype IHNV/VHSV RT-PCR Kit address the key challenges in detecting these pathogens?
Since IHNV cannot be distinguished from VHSV based on pathological findings, molecular detection through real-time RT-PCR is key. Both viruses cause notifiable fish diseases and must be tested for in the EU. With the new multiplex real-time
RT-PCR kit, lab testing for both viral pathogens can be performed in one run, which significantly reduces the time between detection and taking appropriate measures.
FQ: What advantages does this test offer to laboratories and fish farms compared to traditional methods?
It is the first multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for detecting and differentiating IHNV and VHSV in one run, approved by the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany. It is commercially produced by INDICAL BIOSCIENCE ensuring high quality throughout its production lifecycle. There is no need for testing labs to establish QC procedures for in-house testing. Simultaneous testing for both pathogens allow labs to better streamline fish pathogens testing and thus speed up the reporting time to farmers. Additionally, using the virotype IHNV/VHSV RT-PCR kit reduces preparation and hands-on time compared to in-house testing methods.
Q: How do you see the virotype IHNV/VHSV RT-PCR Kit contributing to the health of salmonids populations and the sustainability of the fish farming industry?
Early pathogen detection reduces the risk of introducing contaminated fish stocks or spreading the pathogens from one farm or pond to another. Continuous fish stocks surveillance improves salmonid health and fish farm productivity. By reducing the risk of infection and future outbreaks, fish farms contribute to a more sustainable supply of fish to consumers.
Everyone knows how challenging the last 2 years have been, as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. So, reuniting almost all our ‘flamingos’ – from around 20 countries – was really something to celebrate. That and the 4th anniversary of INDICAL BIOSCIENCE, which we marked with a big summer party!
Our main event was held at the Rennbahn Scheibenholz – Leipzig’s oldest sports facility that is still in use today. In the course of its long history, the venue has brought together countless people from different nations to meet, compete and have fun. So, it felt natural to hold part of our celebration there.
It was a wonderful day, filled with positive energy and fun. Our flamingos showed they have many hidden talents and we created so many great moments together, including team dragon boat sprints on the nearby Elster and Pleiße rivers, table tennis, team games and dancing at Scheibenholz.
We were delighted to be joined by Fredrik Ullman, Group CEO at Vimian and Stefano Santarelli, CEO of INDICAL who thanked colleagues from all our sites and departments for being part of the incredible INDICAL journey.
With such great spirit and energy, we know our mission to continually improve veterinary diagnostics for better animal and human health is in safe hands.
At INDICAL, we have received lots of positive feedback from happy customers using IndiMag prefilled cartridges on the IndiMag 48s for high quality nucleic acid extraction.
Here’s what they tell us the top 3 benefits are:
Time savings of 20 min per run through reduced pipetting
Reliable results through increased workflow consistency
Reduced plastics consumption with flexible cartridge sizes (8 and 24 samples)
IndiMag prefilled cartridges can be used with a wide range of sample types. They are made in Germany and available for IndiMag 48s and other platforms.
Meet Frederic Bermann, the driving force behind Laboratoire des Tisons, a laboratory totally dedicated to animal health. The laboratory is located an hour north of Paris in the equine mecca, Coye-la-Forêt.
Ready to handle varying sample volumes
On a regular day, the lab receives anything from 1 to >50 samples per day, so managing through put can be challenging. In addition, Frederic’s customers’ needs are rigorous. Test results are required within hours, for example to facilitate the movement of horses from country to country or in cases of a suspected disease outbreak.
“The IndiMag 48s instrument is perfect to meet my customers’ needs.”
Frederic says, “The IndiMag 48s instrument is perfect to meet my customers’ needs”. Due to the flexible cartridge sizes (1, 8 or 24 samples) the team uses only the plastics they need. Furthermore, the speed of the nucleic acid extraction instrument – with a run time of just 30 minutes – enables them to provide test results fast.
One instrument for a wide range of sample types
The lab primarily tests respiratory samples with three main sample types. Virus detection uses nasopharyngeal swabs, while bacterial detection uses tracheal lavage samples. The lab also uses buffy coat samples in the detection of blood parasites piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis.
From spin column to magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction
The introduction of automation to the lab’s sample extraction workflow has increased its capacity and throughput – without increasing the demands placed on Frederic’s team. Automation means increased flexibility, reliability and speed in the workflow and frees up hands-on time for staff to work on other things.
Solution-oriented service team to support application
INDICAL support is always on hand. Frederic appreciates working with the INDICAL team, describing them as cheerful and solution-oriented. He is highly satisfied with the collaboration and the support his lab receives.
