Adding onto its capacity and ability for COVID-19 diagnostics testing, SROS is now
extending that testing capability and technical service to test for African Swine Fever (ASF).
The ASF is a viral disease currently affecting pig industries worldwide, and has a high
mortality rate once pigs are infected with it. ASF can be transported in pig feed, feed components,
fresh and frozen pork and processed pork products. In the absence of vaccines, monitoring and
control of ASF by diagnostic methods are crucial components of a control program. The preferred
PCR-based diagnostic testing for ASF detection is designed to identify the virus by detecting its DNA,
rather than antibodies that are generated against it, allowing earlier detection of the virus compared to
other diagnostic methods.
The generous financial assistance from UNDP, UNICEF and the Government of Samoa
that equipped SROS with Real Time – quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) for
COVID-19 diagnostics, the same equipment (together with ASF specific consumables and test kits)
has enabled SROS carry out ASF molecular diagnostics as well. The PCR method is the preferred
detection technology now in use for the ASF outbreak currently affecting China and other countries of
the world.
The equipment is state of the art and a new generation of RT-qPCR. It was procured
together with much needed consumables from Thermo Fisher Scientific Company at their distributors
located in New Zealand and Australia. The ThermoFisher ASF detection real-time PCR workflow
passed the stringent performance and validation assessment protocol which ensures the validity and
reliability of test results and reports.
Three days intensive refresher training was conducted online for SROS scientists by
experts of ThermoFisher Scientific. The training comprised both theory and practical, with an overall
objective of making sure that SROS scientists are fully trained in the equipment’s safe handling and
thoroughly understand the ASF PCR protocol involved. With the RT-qPCR now on site and the
availability of the trained competent scientists, SROS has the capacity to do molecular diagnostic
tests for ASF virus.
The Government of Samoa acknowledges with great appreciation UNDP and UNICEF
for their generous support and commitment in strengthening Samoa’s ASF virus response through
SROS.