ZURICH, Switzerland, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Prionics, a world leader in farm animal diagnostics, introduces a highly
sensitive and specific test for the detection of Trichinella spp. in pigs.
The disease places among the most significant parasitic zoonoses worldwide
which can cause severe illness in humans. Currently, new surveillance
programs are being discussed within the European Union. Through its superior
sensitivity the PrioCHECK(R) Trichinella Ab enables cost efficient testing to
improve the monitoring of pigs for this disease. The ELISA assay detects
antibodies in serum and meat juice samples of infected pigs with larval loads
as low as 0.02 larvae/g.
Trichinellosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide prevalence that can affect
humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked pork or wild game
products. The disease is listed in the European Commission (EC) Zoonoses
Directive, which requires that the meat of millions of pigs, horses and game
undergo mandatory inspection. Accordingly, national reference laboratories
and other bodies across Europe are currently looking for new and more
cost-effective ways to control Trichinellosis as specified in the new EC Reg.
2075/2005.
Unmatched sensitivity and no cross-reactivity
The current method of routinely performing post-slaughter testing of each
carcass at the slaughterhouse by artificial digestion is costly and
relatively insensitive. The new PrioCHECK(R) Trichinella Ab ELISA test has
proven significantly more reliable and highly sensitive as well as specific
for the detection of antibodies against Trichinella in serum and meat juice
samples of pigs. The assay detects Trichinella spp. in infected pigs with a
larval load of 0.02 larva/g pig meat. The PrioCHECK(R)Trichinella Ab is
highly specific as it shows no cross-reactivity with other commonly found pig
parasites such as Ascaris, Trichuris, Hyostrongylus, or Strongyloides.
Cutting testing costs
Within the European Union (EU), the total cost of carcass testing of pigs
for Trichinellosis at slaughter is approximately EUR 500 Million annually.
Consequently, reducing testing costs while at the same time increasing the
sensitivity of Trichinella detection, achieved by an alternative risk-based
surveillance system for Trichinellosis in domestic pigs, is currently under
discussion.
Experts believe that the cost of carcass testing could be drastically
reduced by implementing risk-based monitoring programs, where regular testing
of blood or meat juice samples of only a random sample of pigs would need to
be carried out. The new Prionics PrioCHECK(R) Trichinella Ab is the ideal
diagnostic tool for this type of testing scenario as it detects
disease-specific antibodies in serum or meat juice and is faster, more
sensitive, and less laborious than currently used methods. Overall, this
innovative new ELISA test will contribute to improving farm management
techniques and hygiene while reducing costs for the monitoring of pig herds.
As the world leader in the BSE business, Prionics has today succeeded in
broadening its focus to other major farm animal diseases which can cause
massive commercial losses for food producers and that are potentially
transferable to humans. Prionics recognizes the potential for establishing
diagnostic tests for the early detection of diseases in the food chain and
offers solutions which contribute to increased food safety.
Further information regarding Trichinellosis is available on the official
website of the International Commission on Trichinellosis
(http://monsite.wanadoo.fr/intcomtrichinellosis/) or on the homepage of the
American Trichinella Herd Certification Pilot Program
(http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/trichinae/).
About Prionics
Prionics AG, based in Zurich, is one of the world's leading providers of
farm animal diagnostics and a recognized center of expertise in BSE and prion
diseases. Founded in 1997 as a spin-off from Zurich University, Prionics
researches and markets innovative diagnostic solutions for major farm animal
diseases, thereby making a major contribution to the protection of consumer
health. In 2005, Prionics acquired Pfizer Animal Health's diagnostic
portfolio and, in 2006, entered into a strategic partnership with the Animal
Science Group of the University of Wageningen (Netherlands). Winner of the
Swiss Economic Award for "Company of the year" (2002) and the European
Biotech Award for "Excellence in Biotech Business" (2004), in 2006 Prionics
was nominated as the world's best animal health company.
For more information please visit www.prionics.com/media or contact:
Markus Abt
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel: +41-44-200-20-95
Mobile: +41-79-352-53-16
E-Mail: media@prionics.com
Prionics AG
For more information please contact: Markus Abt, Head of Corporate Communications, Tel: +41-44-200-20-95, Mobile: +41-79-352-53-16, E-Mail: media@prionics.com
