Sources: Dick Hesse, 785-532-4457, dhesse@vet.k-state.edu; and
Ralph Richardson, 785-532-5660, rcr@k-state.edu
http://www.vet.k-state.edu/depts/dmp/personnel/faculty/hesse.htm
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/richardsonbio.html
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008
K-STATE EXPERT IN PIG DISEASE TRAVELS WITH DELEGATION OF DISEASE EXPERTS TO HELP CHINA DIAGNOSE WHAT AILS THE COUNTRY'S PIG HERD
MANHATTAN -- Millions of Chinese pigs are dying of a newly emerging disease.
With the assistance of a Kansas State University virologist and a team of specialists who recently visited the country, Chinese researchers are now a step closer to understanding the disease complex.
Dick Hesse, K-State's director of diagnostic virology, was part of a team that made a two-week visit to China in December. Hesse together with, Ying Fang, molecular virologist at South Dakota State University; Butch Baker, senior clinician of swine medicine at Iowa State University; Johnny Callahan, senior scientist specializing in viral assay development with Tetracore Inc.; and Eric Neumann, epidemiologist and senior lecturer in pig medicine at Massey University in New Zealand, formed the investigative team.
The team's goal was to help Chinese scientists diagnose the disease that has stricken the pig population and to assist them with the technology and techniques to understand and control the disease. Real-time PCR -- polymerase chain reaction -- assays developed at Tetracore and K-State were used to look for and provide rapid laboratory diagnosis of likely viral agents.
Since 2006, China's pig population has been devastated by Blue Ear/High-Fever Disease resulting in the deaths of millions of pigs. A variant form of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome was believed to be the cause of the disease. The investigative team worked with prominent scientists from four research centers that have had extensive experience with the disease. The group also traveled to several farms to view the clinical signs up close and to collect samples.
"The problem in China's herd appears to be a multifactorial disease complex," Hesse said. Researchers did find porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, though not in all cases. The majority of the samples contained more than one type of virus. Classical swine fever virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine circovirus 2b were most commonly found in diseased pigs.
Hesse said there is limited monitoring of animal disease in China and that a lack of uniform practices among pig producers has likely allowed Blue Ear/High-Fever Disease to flourish in China and spread to adjacent countries.
"What the Chinese need are efficacious porcine circovirus vaccines like those available in the U.S.," he said.
The team suggested several biosecurity control mechanisms to hinder the spread of disease in China. They also made several suggestions to enhance U.S. biosecurity.
"Situations like that in China remind us that the U.S. pork industry is at significant risk from new disease agent introductions. This is why it's important to remain vigilant and ensure that our national biosecurity measures are in place and working," Hesse said. "If you have a disease that's capable of killing millions of pigs you want to make sure it stays out of the United States."
Relationships with Chinese scientists were also established and are expected to lead to exchange opportunities for students and faculty at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Ralph Richardson, dean of the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, said such trips highlight the expertise at K-State as well as allow the university to reach out to collaborators.
"K-State is committed to enhancing animal and human health in Kansas, the United States and the world," Richardson said. "Animal and zoonotic diseases don't recognize geographic borders. Foreign exchange opportunities are one of the best ways to acquaint the veterinarians of tomorrow with diseases they might not see in common practice. This approach will ensure that up-and-coming veterinarians understand the animal health and food safety challenges before them on a global scale."
Trip sponsors were the National Pork Board, American Association of Swine Veterinarians and Tetracore Inc.