Early warning testing for ASF and CSF in the Netherlands: serum and blood swabs can now be submitted

The decision to request EW testing rests with the veterinarian and does not require prior consultation with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The outcome of the EW test result has no consequences for the farm (it will not be placed under restrictions), and no laboratory costs are charged for the test.

Due to ongoing ASF outbreaks across Europe, awareness remains high. Nevertheless, since 2023 fewer than 50 samples per year have been submitted for EW testing. Swine veterinarians have cited several reasons for not submitting samples, including: "EDTA blood collection tubes expire so quickly" and "I didn't have any EDTA tubes available, whereas serum tubes are usually present on the farm."

For this reason, WBVR investigated the use of serum for ASF and CSF PCR testing. The study also evaluated the use of blood swabs, which provide a simple way of collecting samples from animals that have died. Based on the study results, and following consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and the NVWA, serum and blood swabs have now been added to the sample types that may be submitted for EW testing. With this adjustment, the early warning testing will become even more accessible, as rapid detection of a potential outbreak is essential. 

The updated submission form is available via: Request forms for animal disease testing | WUR