Introduction . Duck virus hepatitis (DVH) is a highly contagious acute disease primarily affecting ducklings, causing significant economic losses in duck farming. It is included into the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) list of notifiable diseases. Three main virus types cause duck virus hepatitis, with type 1 being the most ubiquitous and the primary etiological agent in most regions worldwide. Objective . Systematization and analysis of contemporary approaches to prevention of duck virus hepatitis, review of promising strategies for recombinant and multivalent vaccine development. Materials and methods. Literature searches and analysis were performed using the Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and RSCI (Russian Science Citation Index) databases. Results . This article analyzes current DVH situation, and reviews key features of the disease pathogenesis, immune response and the disease diagnosis. Furthermore, it presents comparative data on various vaccine characteristics, including production methods, efficacy, immunization schedules, immune response profiles, advantages and disadvantages, and commercial availability. This article summarizes existing approaches to livestock protection and proposes directions for further research. Conclusion . Although a large number of different foreign vaccines against DVH is available, embryo vaccine against DVH based on VGNKI-K strain is the only vaccine produced in the Russian Federation and it has a rather limited shelf life (9 months). In response to this need, the Federal Centre for Animal Health is carrying out research aimed at developing a live freeze-dried vaccine featuring extended shelf life.
Introduction. Classical swine fever (CSF) remains a critical challenge in global pig production. In the Russian Federation the last reported outbreak occurred in 2020 among wild boar populations, but the risk of re-emergence is sustained. To reduce the existing threats the targeted disease surveillance and control measures are needed to be improved.Objective. To analyze the current classical swine fever situation and the outcomes of epizootic monitoring in the Russian Federation, and to develop evidence-based proposals for its improvement.Materials and methods. This analysis draws upon laboratory test results from 2020 to 2024, as recorded in the “Vesta” electronic state information system (part of the FGIS “VetIS”); epidemiological data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH); and the official “Guidelines for planning laboratory testing and sampling to improve classical swine fever surveillance in the Russian Federation”, developed and approved by the Federal Centre for Animal Health. Geospatial data were visualized using the MapChart platform, while statistical analyses were performed with Microsoft Excel.Results. Drawing on international experience in disease eradication and control, this study outlines a phased approach for the eradication of classical swine fever in the Russian Federation, with a view toward achieving official recognition of disease-free status from the World Organization for Animal Health. The proposed disease surveillance strategy is comprehensive and multifaceted, comprising: early detection measures, including immediate notification of suspected cases, syndromic analysis, and clinical examinations with necropsies; routine monitoring at key control points, such as ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections; and confirmatory procedures, consisting of strategic sampling, laboratory diagnostics, and surveillance in sentinel units. The study further explores the prospects for a strategic transition, including the zoning of Russian territory, the phased discontinuation of immunization with live (attenuated) vaccines, and the potential introduction of marker vaccines.Conclusion. The proposed approaches are fully aligned with international standards and are specifically designed to achieve classical swine fever freedom in the Russian Federation. The full implementation of the proposed measures will significantly strengthen classical swine fever control in Russia and, consequently, enhance the export potential of the domestic pork industry.
Introduction . Foot-and-mouth disease remains one of the most significant transboundary viral infections of livestock, as evidenced by epizootic situation data over the past five years. Culture inactivated vaccines are used for the specific prevention of this disease. For the manufacture of emulsion vaccines, the use of oil adjuvants is essential. Currently, a wide range of these components is available on the global market, including a new product from the Indian company VITAVAC. Objective . Comparative analysis of VITAVAC oil adjuvants formulated in inactivated foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. Materials and methods. The following experimental samples of oil adjuvants were tested: VITAVAC 50 (Batch G-221), VITAVAC 70 (Batch G-223), VITAVAC 250 (Batch M-2508). The physicochemical properties of emulsion vaccines manufactured using these adjuvants were analyzed, and their innocuity, safety, and potency were evaluated in accordance with the requirements of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Results . The most favorable combination of emulsion stability after long-term storage and a pronounced immune response was observed in an experimental vaccine sample formulated with VITAVAC 70 oil adjuvant. Vaccines based on VITAVAC 250 induced virus-neutralizing antibodies with a titer above 1.65 lg SN50 , but exhibited lower emulsion stability during storage. The vaccine based on VITAVAC 50 oil adjuvant induced lower levels of specific virus-neutralizing antibodies than the other vaccine variants. The results obtained suggest that oil-based adjuvants of the VITAVAC line, particularly VITAVAC 70, are promising candidates for use in the production of inactivated foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. Conclusion . The results obtained support the view that VITAVAC 70 is the most promising adjuvant for use in the production of inactivated emulsion vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease for pigs. This product demonstrates comparable performance to the traditionally used oil adjuvants Montanide ISA 206 VG and Montanide ISA 61 VG across several parameters.
Introduction . Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks that were reported in Africa in 2013–2023 (Egypt – 2013–2017, 2021, Algeria – 2018, 2019, 2022, Senegal – 2018, Libya – 2019, 2023, Morocco – 2019, Tunisia – 2019, 2022), were caused by O/EA-3 topotype virus. Given the current epizootic situation in the region and the trade and economic ties between the Russian Federation and African countries, there is an urgent need to study foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) O/EA-3 topotype strains to facilitate the development of diagnostic and specific prevention tools against this dangerous disease. Objective . A study of the biological properties of the exotic FMDV O/EA-3/Tunisia/2019 strain (lineage O/EA-3) isolated in North Africa. Materials and methods. FMDV O/EA-3/Tunisia/2019 strain was isolated from cattle in Tunisia in 2019. A combination of cultural, serological, and molecular genetic methods was applied during the study. Results . Based on comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences, this strain was identified as belonging to the O/EA-3 genetic lineage. The antigenic relationship (r1 ) of the O/EA-3/Tunisia/2019 strain with FMDV production strains ranged from 0.01 to 0.54. The studied strain accumulated in cattle to an infectious titer of 5.00 log10 ID50 /0.1 mL, and in pigs to 4.75 log10 ID50 /0.1 mL. The FMDV O/EA-3/Tunisia/2019 antigen served as the basis for producing strain-specific rabbit sera for FMD diagnosis, as well as a culture-derived, inactivated, monovalent, adsorbed vaccine capable of providing protection against infection with this exotic FMDV strain. Conclusion . Biological properties of the FMDV strain (O/EA-3 lineage) isolated in North Africa were studied. In light of the close antigenic relationship (r1 = 0.49) between the O/EA-3 and O/ME-SA/PanAsia2 genetic lineages, the production strain O 2356/Pakistan/2018, which belongs to the O/ME-SA/PanAsia2 lineage, may be used to protect animals against infection with FMDV of the O/EA-3 genetic lineage.
Introduction. Cattle farming plays a key role in the agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan, satisfying not only the needs for meat and dairy products. Recently, the intensification of livestock production in Tajikistan has been facing serious problems related to infectious diseases, in particular those caused by capripoxviruses, including lumpy skin disease (LSD), which causes significant economic damage and compromises animal performance and health in the region and around the world. Studying and understanding the LSD epizootology in the Republic of Tajikistan climatic environment will facilitate better disease control.Objective. Epizootological data collection and brief description of LSD outbreaks in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2023.Materials and methods. Traditional epizootological analysis tools were used to collect data on LSD outbreaks, as well as serological tools for the disease retrospective diagnosis.Results. In 2023, an LSD case was first reported in the Republic of Tajikistan in the region bordering Afghanistan. Analysis of the seasonal pattern of the disease occurrence in Tajikistan demonstrated that the LSD outbreaks were most often reported in summer and autumn: from July to November. The disease spread mainly in the areas with a high concentration of livestock, in particular in the Khatlon Region. The average animal density in the Khatlon Region is 46 cattle per 1 km2 and 117 sheep and goats per 1 km2. The peak of LSD epidemic was recorded in September – November 2023. Morbidity and mortality varied by districts, ranging from 10 to 55% and from 2 to 15%, respectively. Tests of 216 bovine serum samples demonstrated LSD virus antibodies in 109 animals, accounting for 50.5% of the total.Conclusion. In 2023, a range of studies was conducted and measures were taken in the Republic of Tajikistan to prevent LSD spread. To effectively control the disease, it is necessary to strengthen epizootological monitoring, carry out timely vaccination of animals and implement measures for the identification and control of potential vectors. These steps will minimize economic losses and maintain the animal health in the republic.
