VetAlert^TM Foot and Mouth Disease Virus RNA Test Kit (96 Reactions)

Description

The VetAlert™ Foot and Mouth Disease Virus RNA Test Kit is a USDA-licensed kit intended to aid in the rapid, in vitro qualitative detection of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) RNA by real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). The test can be used to detect viral RNA extracted from serum and epithelial samples collected from cattle, swine, and sheep. The test is intended as an aid in the presumptive identification and diagnosis of Foot and Mouth Disease.

• FMDV rRT-PCR Enclosures/Protocols
• FMDV rRT-PCR SDS

Summary and Explanation
FMDV is the etiologic agent of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a disease of cattle, swine, sheep, and other cloven-hooved animals. FMD is characterized by the formation of vesicles on the tongue, nose, muzzle, and coronary bands of infected animals. FMD is one of the most highly contagious diseases of animals. FMDV rapidly replicates and spreads within the infected animal, among in-contact susceptible animals, and by aerosol. Rapid identification of the disease agent in exposed livestock is critical for the mobilization of disease control efforts.

Principles of the Procedure
The test is based on real-time PCR that, in addition to specific forward and reverse oligonucleotide primers, utilizes fluorogenic probe hydrolysis chemistry to generate a fluorescent signal when FMDV RNA is present in a sample. The assay consists of two independent primer and probe sets targeting the 3D gene, one of which is referenced in chapter 3.1.8 of the OIE Terrestrial Manual.